Bible Knowledge Commentary: 6:12–13. The Judaizers who insisted that circumcision was necessary for salvation (cf. ), in summary, (1) were only men-pleasers (cf. ) seeking to make a good impression outwardly; (2) were afraid of persecution (6:12b); (3) wanted to boast about the number of Galatians they hoped to win over to circumcision as a religious and merit-earning rite (v. 13). The legalists knew the offense of the Cross would be softened if they openly proclaimed justification by faith and works (i.e., circumcision) and if they could claim conversions to that position in Galatia.
