THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
To whom should I convey my message and offer testimony? The prophet is uncertain about to whom he should speak. Some are destitute, while others have broken free from their burdens. This message from the Lord serves as a rebuke to them. They dismiss my words as falsehoods because calamity does not come swiftly upon them. Their ears are unclean and unheeded. But what does it mean to have unclean ears? We are familiar with the term 'foreskin.' Let the Jew express this, as he turns away from listening altogether, having sunk into profound wickedness, refusing to perceive the truth. First, let them listen to this: “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart” (Deuteronomy 10:16). Herein lies the charge against them, as the uncircumcised ears are mentioned.
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When you hear Stephen’s admonition: “Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost” (Acts 7:51), recognize that this was initially proclaimed by Jeremiah. Following a brief discourse, what is the essence of this circumcision? It entails heeding what is uttered. Since that which hinders our ability to hear must be eradicated, He commands the removal of filth and a thorough cleansing; there is no need for an external separation. Do you see how valuable circumcision can be? It prevents one from remaining bound in the flesh. In similar fashion are the sacrifices, the temple, the feasts, and the periods of rest; each serves as a representation or symbol pointing to deeper truths. The word of the Lord became a source of contempt for them, akin to swine trampling pearls underfoot; indeed, righteousness is detestable to the wicked.