“And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1
The circumcision spoken in this verse is physical. This command is part of the Mosaic Law given to Abraham and his posterity. It was meant as sign or mark by which the Israelites attested their faith in the Divine law. Jews today that have not accepted Christ are still obligated to obey this command.
Cornelius, the first Gentile Convert was not circumcised, and yet he received the Holy Spirit. This proves that circumcision is not required for Gentile converts. Jesus instructed the Apostles to preach to all nations and to baptize those who believed, but gave no instructions in reference to circumcision or other Mosaic Laws. Basically, the Gentiles were not to be put under the bondage of the Mosaic Law.
