Did Justin Argue Circumcision, Shabbath, and Appointed Times Were Given Because of Yashar'al's Wrongdoing?
Work: Dialogue with Trypho, Ch. 18 (+ related) · Greek witness
What the ancient record says
Justin discusses circumcision, Shabbath, and appointed times, then argues they were commanded to Trypho's people because of wrongdoing and hardness of heart. Ch. 18 Greek explicitly includes περιτομήν (circumcision), σάββατα (Shabbaths), ἑορτάς (festivals/appointed celebrations).
Significance: the question shifts from "should Gentiles be circumcised?" to an explanation of why Yashar'al received these practices at all, reframing practices given in the ancestral writings as measures imposed because of failure. He even argues his group would observe circumcision, Shabbaths, and appointed times if they did not understand the reason he believes they were commanded, an explicit theological reason for non-observance, not forgetting.
Does not prove the Turah itself teaches Justin's explanation, this card is historical (what Justin argued); whether it agrees with the earlier Scroll witness is tested separately. A later writer cannot define what earlier writings originally meant merely by claiming it.
Shows a framework: claim the writings while reinterpreting the continuing function of the practices within them.
Read it for yourself. Dialogue 18 (+ Ch.29); inspect the Greek rather than "legal ceremonies."
Evidence strength: Directly attested in Justin's Greek. Proven: discusses circumcision/Shabbaths/appointed celebrations; associates their command with wrongdoing/hardness; explains non-observance through that argument. Separate question: agreement with the Scroll witness.