Festivals & practices
Circumcision
The removal of the male foreskin, given in Genesis as the sign of the covenant with Abraham.
What it means
In Genesis 17, God commands circumcision for Abraham and every male in his household, including those born there and those bought with money. Baby boys are to be circumcised at eight days old.
Joshua 5 describes the circumcision of Israelite males who were born during the wilderness journey and had not received it. Luke also records Jesus’ circumcision at eight days old.
How it appears in the Bible
In Acts 15, some people claim circumcision is necessary for salvation. After discussion, the apostles and elders do not require it of Gentile believers. They send a letter asking these believers to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, blood, meat from strangled animals, and sexual immorality.