Augustine of Hippo : Not only did [the Judaizers] wish to avoid persecution from the Jews, who were absolutely unwilling to let the law be given to the uncircumcised, but they desired to boast to the Jews about the number of proselytes they made. — EPISTLE TO THE Galatians 62 [1B.6.11-14] Epiphanius of Salamis : The former circumcision was not inappropriate in its own time. But the law announced that Christ would come to dispense the law of freedom. Then the circumcision in the flesh would no longer be of service in the time of Christ. For through Christ came the true One of which the law was a shadow. From now on those who have been sealed with circumcision, even if they keep the whole law, would no longer gain any credit from their keeping this part of the law. … Nevertheless, the law is good and in its time so is circumcision, since through both we know Christ, who is the more perfect law and the more perfect circumcision. — PANARION 42.12.3, EIGHTH REFUTATION OF MARCION Jerome : Because of the weakness of the sin nature, Paul says, the law cannot be fulfilled. Hence the Jews keep the commands and traditions of the elders rather than God's commands, performing neither the whole body of the law (which is impossible) nor the spirit of the law, which they did not understand. — EPISTLE TO THE Galatians 3.6.12 Oecumenius : "but they desire that you be circumcised." He shows that vanity is the aim of all their actions. For he says that these who are circumcised and who circumcise you do not do this as if keeping and observing a law, but in order that they may have an occasion for boasting by circumcising you. For that is what he means by "in your flesh," namely, that they may be teachers, he says, and have you as disciples. — Commentary on Galatians Tertullian : Are women who think that, in furnishing to their neighbour that which is demanded of beauty, they are furnishing it to themselves also, to augment that (beauty) when (naturally) given them, and to strive after it when not (thus) given? Some one will say, "Why, then, if voluptuousness be shut out and chastity let in, may (we) not enjoy the praise of beauty alone, and glory in a bodily good? "Let whoever finds pleasure in "glorying in the flesh" see to that. — On the Apparel of Women Book II Theodoret of Cyrus : For how can they totally keep the law while they are traveling far from Jerusalem? How can they perform the feasts; how can they offer the sacrifices; how can they be cleansed after touching impure things? No, it is obvious that they have conspired to have you circumcised in their desire to boast of having made you change. — EPISTLE TO THE Galatians 6.13