At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.” 3 So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth
(Joshua 5:2-3)
Not coincidentially, the sword (μάχαιρα) by which Peter cuts the ear of "Paul" is the flint knive prescribed for the circumcision: a knife of stone for the "Stone".
And why is the mutilated person just Paul?
otarion= Little ear = usually used for 'little finger'.