Justification in the Second Century by Brian J. Arnold

Author:Brian J. Arnold
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter
Published: 2017-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Dialogue 137

In keeping with the topic of circumcision, which permeates the Dial. from beginning to end, there is an important passage in chapter 137. Justin, in a last ditch effort to convert Trypho, entreats his Jewish counterparts, saying,

For it would be wonderful if you in obedience to the Scriptures would be circumcised from the hardness of your heart, not with the circumcision which you have according to your deep-rooted idea, for the Scriptures convince us that such a circumcision was given as a sign and not as a work of righteousness. Act in accord with us, therefore, and do not insult the Son of God; ignore your Pharisaic teachers and do not scorn the king of Israel (as the chiefs of your synagogues instruct you to do after prayers).658

As if he had not hammered on this anvil long enough, Justin strikes once more to see if he might ignite a spark in his listeners’ hearts. He wants them to realize that he has argued almost exclusively from the Scriptures to show what the original intention of circumcision was.

Two things stand out in this passage—circumcision as a “work of righteousness” and the remark about the Pharisaic teachers. Justin speaks of Pharisaic teachers in a derogatory way, as though the title Pharisee carried with it a connotation of legalism. He issues a firm warning not to follow the Pharisees who were ridiculing the Son of God and encouraging the Jews to place their hope in their circumcision.

The second remarkable comment in this passage is Justin’s calling circumcision a δικαιοπραξίας ἔργον. Amazingly, δικαιοπραξίας ἔργον along with ἔργον δικαιοσύνης have gone without notice by commentators on Justin, and yet these phrases summarize his view of the law and add weight to his connection to Paul, though perhaps indirectly. In chapter 137 circumcision is considered a δικαιοπραξίας ἔργον and in chapters 23 circumcision is labeled an ἔργον δικαιοσύνης, phrases that appear to be synonymous in Justin. Δικαιοπραξίας ἔργον is a neologism meaning “doing a righteous work,” though the appendage of ἔργον seems superfluous.659 The word itself means to “do righteousness” so it is unclear why he would add ἔργον, unless perhaps, it is used to conjure up Paul’s memorable, but controversial, phrase ἔργα νόμου. Justin understands Jews to practice deeds like circumcision and Sabbath keeping as ways to earn righteousness. When in the throes of the most passionate parts of his argument, Justin forcefully claims that Trypho must stop believing that circumcision can make one righteous. Justin’s point is that circumcision was never intended to be a work or righteousness but rather was given because of hardheartedness. The similarity to Paul is noticeable but the slight modification of terms (i. e., δικαιοπραξίας ἔργον instead of ἔργα νόμου) strengthens the argument because Justin’s own voice is heard.

Circumcision, Justin argues, was always meant to be a sign and nothing more. If circumcision could bring righteousness, then why can only men receive it? Are women not able to be righteous, if circumcision is performed as an act of righteousness? (Dial.

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