Why did the Judaizers hate and fight Paul?
The Judaizers hated and fought Paul because he refused to compromise on circumcision and law-keeping for Gentile believers. He would not give in to their legalistic demands, so they persecuted him. If he had preached circumcision, he would have had no opposition.
Les teaches that the Judaizers' main reason for hating and fighting Paul was his refusal to give in to circumcising Gentile believers. Paul says if he had preached what the Judaizers from Jerusalem preached—circumcision and law-keeping—he would have had clear sailing, no opposition, and no 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 to have an easy role was succumb to the pressure, but God would not have been satisfied; the world would have been, the Church would have died a natural death, and Satan would have gloated. Paul never backed off or gave in; 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
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.