Corpus-Paul

["Charles Savelle" <chsavelle AT hotmail.com>]

Hello all,

I have three interrelated questions regarding the use of the NT hapax 
EPISPAOMAI ("to remove the marks of circumcision")in 1 Cor 7:18.
The first question pertains to the origin and background of the term. I 
haven't been too successful in finding much here. Is anyone aware of any 
detailed studies of the term?
The second question is a little more historical, that is, is there any 
evidence that early Jewish Christians ever attempted to undo their 
circumcisions?
The third question is more literary. If early Jewish Christians were not 
typically involved in being uncircumcised, then what is the purpose of 
Paul's reference to what basically would be a non-issue in 1 Cor 7:18? At 
this stage, I am inclined to think that Paul mentions it merely for the sake 
of balancing his argument and illustrating the comprehensiveness of the 
principle which he introduced in the previous verse. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer in any or all of these 
questions.

Charles Savelle,
ThM student at Dallas Theological Seminary





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