Why would Paul have had clear sailing if he preached what the Judaizers preached?
Paul would have had clear sailing because the Judaizers’ opposition and persecution centered on his refusal to require Gentile circumcision and law keeping. If he had preached their message of circumcision and legalism, he would have avoided their hostility and suffering, but God would not have been satisfied and the Gospel would have been compromised.
Les explains from Galatians 5 that Paul says if he preached what the Judaizers from Jerusalem preached, he would have clear sailing—no opposition and no persecution. Their main reason for hating and fighting him was that he would not give in to circumcising Gentile believers. Paul asks, if he preached circumcision, why did he still suffer persecution? If he stopped preaching against legalism and the Law, the offense of the cross would be brought to an end. All Paul had to do for an easy role was succumb to the pressure, give in, and say he would preach circumcision and law keeping so they would get off his back. God would not have been satisfied, but the world would have been, and the Church would have died a natural death while Satan gloated. But Paul did not back off or give in to the Judaizers; as in Galatians 2, he stood his ground so the truth of the Gospel might continue with the Gentiles. He suffered persecution every day of his life, and later it came under the heavy hand of the Roman government.
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
More Questions
Why did the Judaizers hate and persecute Paul so fiercely?
The Judaizers' main reason for hating and fighting Paul was that he refused to give in and circumcise the Gentile believers.
What would have happened if Paul had preached circumcision like the Judaizers?
If Paul had preached what the Judaizers from Jerusalem preached, he would have had clear sailing, with no opposition and no persecution.