John Calvin Commentary Galatians 5:11

"But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away." — Galatians 5:11 (ASV)

And I, brethren. This argument is drawn from the final cause. “It would be completely in my power,” he says, “to avoid the displeasure of men, and every kind of danger and persecution, if I were only to mix ceremonies with Christ. The earnestness with which I oppose them is not on my own account, nor for my own advantage.”

But does it therefore follow that his doctrine is true? I answer that proper feelings and a pure conscience, when manifested by a teacher, have no small share in obtaining confidence.

Besides, it cannot be believed that any man would be so mad as to take measures, of his own accord, for bringing distress upon himself.

Lastly, he casts suspicion upon his adversaries that in preaching circumcision, they were more disposed to consult their own ease than to be faithful in the service of Christ.

In short, Paul was at the farthest remove from ambition, covetousness, or regard for personal interest, since he despised favor and applause, and exposed himself to the persecutions and fury of the multitude rather than swerve a hair’s breadth from the purity of the gospel.

Then is the offense of the cross ceased. Paul willingly, in speaking of the gospel, calls it the cross, or the preaching of the cross, when he wishes to bring its poor, simple style into contrast with the great swelling words (Jude 1:16) of human wisdom or righteousness.

For the Jews, puffed up with an ill-founded confidence in their righteousness, and the Greeks, with a foolish belief in their wisdom, despised the meanness of the gospel.

Therefore, when he says that now, if the preaching of circumcision is admitted, the offense of the cross will no longer exist, he means that the gospel will meet with no annoyance from the Jews, but will be taught with their entire concurrence.

And why? Because they will no longer take offense at a pretended and spurious gospel, gathered from Moses and from Christ, but will look with greater indulgence on that mixture which will leave them in possession of their former superiority.