Paul's words appear to be rather crude and sarcastic, as if he has allowed his emotions to get the better of him. While it is possible that he is expressing his frustration with the Judaizers, it could also be a wish for them to remove themselves from God's people.1 Under the terms of the old covenant, those who had been emasculated were not permitted to enter the assembly of the Lord (Deuteronomy 23:1). If this is the case, then Paul is expressing his wish that these men would remove themselves from the Christian community rather than driving believers back into slavery under the law.
12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!