Galatians 5:3

I testify again. Compare ch. 3:10.

A debtor. He has no claim on Christ (see on v. 2); instead, “the law” has claims on him. Paul makes this statement on the basis that “the law” places a man “under the curse” if he neglects even one of its requirements (see on ch. 3:10). Seemingly the Judaizers now subverting the churches of Galatia had, thus far at least, stressed only circumcision and certain other selected legalistic requirements (see chs. 4:10; 5:2, 3). But the law provides for no selectivity — it is either all or none. One who accepted circumcision thereby expressed belief in the whole system and agreed to submit to all its demands. But at the same time he expressed distrust in the efficacy of the atonement made for him by Jesus Christ. The Galatians would find it impossible to maintain allegiance to Judaism and Christianity at the same time (see on Matt. 6:24).

Paul does not intend to teach that it is sinful for one to be circumcised. He had consented to have Timothy circumcised, though under different circumstances, to be sure. Timothy was half Jewish, and Paul had him circumcised as a concession to the prejudices of the Jews among whom he was to labor (see Acts 16:1-3). So far as Paul and Timothy were concerned the act was mere form. It was the insistence of the Judaizers on the necessity of circumcision as a means to salvation and as a requirement in the Christian churches that Paul continually denies and combats.

The whole law. See on ch. 2:16.