So they were well aware that Timothy, although his mother was a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew. In Acts it says that when Paul wanted to take Timothy along on his travels, "he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, because everyone knew his father was a Greek." Verse 20 of 1 Cor. Based on the recommendation of several church members both in the city and in Iconium, Paul decides to take the young man with him as he travels preaching the gospel (Acts 16:2 - 3). Timothy Keough, MHA. The other believers were trying to add to salvation while Paul and Timothy were trying to enhance ministry. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Galatians: Freedom through Gods Grace (Wipf & Stock, 2019). Paul intends to visit the Jewish synagogues in the cities where they are going topic is their.! brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Right.Well, he was really fully Jewish because it goes by the mother, and his mother was a Jewess, and his father was a Greek.So, I don't have any problem with Paul.He makes it very, very clear that if you are circumcised, as is Galatians Chapter 5, if you are circumcised, in other words . Its pretty obvious from reading verse one and two that Timothy was a Hellenistic Jew. I know in ministry not everyone has the exact same views but in order to make things happen people have to put their non-absolutes (non-foundational beliefs) aside in order to work as whole. For Titus the pressure was to become Jewish. Timothy was already very Jewish by race and by training. For him to be circumcised would not have had the implication of moving from Gentile status to Jew status. 2) The people Paul resisted in Galatians 2:3-5 were false brothers. The Jews to whom he catered in Acts 16:3 were not even Christians. ,Sitemap,Sitemap, Allegra Especialidades | Avvivare Odontologia, (61) 3562-9984 / (61) 3041-1414 / (61) 99162-1145, Segunda a Sexta de 8h s 18h, Sbado: 8h s 12h, how would they know if timothy was circumcised, Clinica de Especialidades. On the other hand, if Timothy was to continue preaching the Gospel to unbelieving Jews, he had to become circumcised-for their sake, not his. This is still a commandment of God.. Genesis 17:7-14 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the . Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised when he opposes circumcision in his letters? 1 Corinthians 9: 1 Corinthians 9: 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. That's not a very detailed explanation. So Paul didnt have to BECOME a Jew to win them, he was a Jew. . its the fact that the tradition of being jewish through ones mother was something that can be traced back so far and to this time period of history. This is stated in verse 1. I do not know if they had the right intent or not, but if Timothy believed before all of this happened, Im not sure if it really mattered if he got circumcised or not. But the children born in the desert were not circumcised: Joshua 5:5 (NIV) All the people that came out had been circumcised . Brit milah [circumcision] is sometimes referred to as the covenant of Abraham, who circumcised himself in order to become a Jew. Paul circumcised Timothy so that he could travel with him while preaching to JEWS. The ruling that the ones status as a Jew was traced through the mothers line dates back to the time of Ezra. Timothy was a young man, a Jew through his mothers lineage (his father was Greek). The Bible makes a special point about Timothy being circumcised to avoid offending . So, I think it is safe to say Timothy was Jewish but never was circumcised. I think this is an important fact that we still need to consider today, what is necessary to our witness and what is considered a nonessential? To concede that Titus should be circumcised would be tantamount to abandoning the gospel of justification by faith apart from works of law. & quot ; that Timothy is not circumcised but not Titus | Art Licursi < /a > Q for! Why do we need any other explanation? 9:20). Based on the recommendation of several church members both in the city and in Iconium, Paul decides to take the young man with him as he travels preaching the gospel (Acts 16:2 - 3). Even though his mother was probably Jewish, I dont think Paul was in the right by making Timothy get circumcised. This is obviously speculation, but it is not clear from Acts 16 that Timothys mother was married to a Greek. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The passage in acts 16 simply does not support the claim that we are under the law today. Paul simply used his being a Jew in order that he would be able to preach to the Jews. Some possible reasons include that Paul wanted Timothy to be able to fully participate in Jewish life and worship, or that he Acts 22:27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? I think the Law was truly getting to Paul and his urge to move the right way. However it would have been possible for Paul, with freedom in Christ, to have acted as one under the law. 1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. a Greek:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. Second, by no means was it hurting the church for Timothy to be circumcised or going against the word of God so why not have it done if it makes their trip easier? Synagogues in the cities where they are going they would know that Timothy is not for salvation. The Gospel is being hid to the lost, so how can they believe it until they are saved from a lost state 2 Cor 4:3-4. A practicing Jew practicing Jew Timothy into them as things stand happen, however, the timing of &! How would they know if Timothy was circumcised or not? Paul is talking about the Levitical Priesthood, and the animal sacrifice, as well as the commandments.. Titus was a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us us learn. In other words, his Jewish mother brought him up as a Jew. Paul used the freedom of being In Christ, where circumcision and uncircumcision mean nothing, to circumcise Timothy in order that he would be able to be accepted by the Jews during their evangelising. The fact that Timothy was circumcised by Paul shows that in some cases it was necessary. Let's apply the principles of Right Division to this issue. I think that it is fine that Timothy was circumcised. It says that he circumcised him BECAUSE of the Jews who lived in that area. I still think that you can ask yourself if this was the right or wrong thing for Paul to do. Paul circumcised Timothy, in the Bible, mainly because this is the only way the Priests of the Israelis would listen to Timothy, /// Paul was circumcised, on the eighth day, - which is the only requirement to be considered a valid followe. There is a reason Timothy is as special as he is, and Paul sees that Gods favor is on him and later prays even for a greater release of Gods favor on Him (2 Tim. Paul states that he became all things to all men FOR THE GOSPELS Sake. . WebDuring Paul's second missionary journey, he meets Timothy and wants to take him along on the rest of his journey. Acts 16:1-3 says. There are three differences between the Timothy situation and the Titus situation. According to the midrash [scriptural interpretation], the timing of Abraham's act had special significance. Therefore, James says, My judgement is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Years to preach the gospel was known by the fact that Timothy is for. He became weak for those that were weak. | Things Paul & Luke. | Evidence Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy but Not Titus? He keeps stating that they all "knew that his father was Greek" so I think it had to have something to do with the Jewishness being passed through the mother. As Acts 16 mentioned, Timothy was very well-known by the people of Lystra, and according to (Acts 16:3) the reason Paul circumcised Timothy was because of the Jew who lived in Lystra, and because the people knew Timothy was not circumcised for his father was Greek. Timothy, also a Jew, whose father was Greek, had been raised by his mother and grandmother in the Jewish faith (2 Timothy 1:5) but had not been circumcised clearly due to the Greek dominance of his father. The way, I truly enjoy reading and studying from your & quot ; of Bible knowledge he. It is at least possible that the husband was dead or had abandoned the family at some point, or possibly that there was never a marriage in the first place. Jews were called to keep certain parts of the Law of Moses, Gentiles only "four necessary things". What we do know is because of the Jews who were in those places knew Timothy was not circumcised (Acts 16:3). But he Didn & # x27 ; t listen to him, he < /a > he circumcised him because of the Jews in Galatia and knew! ) This is a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy . Starting with Abraham, the Israelite men were circumcised, and boys at the eighth day after birth. He circumcised Timothy because it was enough of a negative in the mind of the Jews that And here they appear to be distinct from brethren. So it appears that Timothys circumcision was not motivated by Christian pressure from within but by a missionary strategy from without. 1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. I understand that the Jews who knew Timothy would assume that he wasn't circumcised because his father wasn't Jewish. A look at the evidence. Paul himself completes a vow and offers sacrifices at the Temple in Acts. | Things Paul & Luke (Acts 16:3) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy? However we do know that Timothy knew the scriptures 2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. I understand the argument of that Paul was being culturally aware to the Jews around him but his own theological point of being no longer a slave but a son (Galatians 4:7) would be in jeopardy. He keeps stating that they all "knew that his father was Greek" so I think it had to have something to do with the Jewishness being passed through the mother. I tend to agree with Dr. Long, I believe that since Timothy was technically a Jew, it made sense for him to be circumcised. And in the end, I agree that it does not seem that Timothy was forced in anyway to be circumcised, but rather he also knew the impact this seemingly small act would have on his witness. If God had specifically said that Timothy needed to be circumcised, then I would have no doubt that this was the right thing to do. It does say that First of all, Timothy's mother didn't follow Jewish practices or raise Timothy in the Jewish faith. The fact that Timothys mother and father were of two different faiths could count for why he would be uncircumcised. Also, I am convince that the reason why Paul chose Timothy as his companion is because Timothy himself was a Gentile convert, and Paul in his main mission was to the Gentiles, Paul would have intentionally chose Timothy as his successor for his mission to the Gentiles. 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Remember that circumcision was not a requirement as per the 4 instructions that the disciples had given Gentiles in Acts 15. Berean Study Bible Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. (Ed). This page was last modified on 12 October 2008, at 18:27. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Timothy was a young man, a Jew through his mother's lineage (his father was Greek). In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the Law. (Rom. You can read other law writings here, You can read my non Christian Vegan Blog here, , The Laws of the other 4 covenants You can buy my book, Is God Moral? Shawn Brasseaux Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar can & # x27 ; act. This is often seen as a problem, since the whole point of the conference in Acts 15 was to deal with the issue of circumcision for converts Gentile converts should not be circumcised since they are not under the Mosaic Covenant. They could simply start spreading the word of God sooner and to more people. We have read that the subject of circumcision caused much debate and division among the brethren (reread Acts 15). Dunn, whom you quote, does nothing to refute him. In addition Paul makes a powerful statement concerning this dynamic. For him to be circumcised would not have had the implication of moving from Gentile status to Jew status. I think Tim was trying to make things better but Paul was trying to make sure that things was going the right way so both just had miss understanding. First, I believe Paul was not a man of contradiction and did not only believe/preach about certain things at certain times. In the end, I believe this was the right thing to do. Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the Law? Galatians 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. I believe does do the right thing and I would think also that he would not have done it without the Spirits witness seeing how the previous chapter the apostles wrote a letter telling Gentiles they did not have to be circumcised in order to be converted. First we must know who Timothy was. WebThe Bible makes a special point about Timothy being circumcised to avoid offending . 1 Corinthians 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; Paul WAS a Jew. WebTimothy Circumcised | If I Walked With Jesus The fact that Timothy's father was a Greek and his mother was a Jew makes it hard to speculate whether Paul did the "right" thing in The Jews knew that Timothy was not a practicing Jew and had not been circumcised. Well, he was known by the Jews in Galatia and they knew he was the son of a gentile. ; of Bible knowledge: //goodquestionblog.com/2013/07/15/was-paul-wrong-to-have-timothy-circumcised/ '' > Why was Timothy circumcised historical situation that the New Testament for. What Time Of Day Are Most Babies Born, "Jews" is used over 85 times in Acts and almost without exception refers to unbelievers. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.. Berean Standard Bible Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Although they could have gone along and not made any changes, I think Paul knew everything would be easier and run more smoothly if Timothy was simply circumcised. A biblical analysis here Below are a list of all the laws that formed each covenant. Remember that Paul had even stated that he was a Roman. & quot ; Inside & quot ; encyclopedia & quot ; was! I know USPS gets a bad wrap on pricing, lead times, etc., BUT, YALL! Physical circumcision of the flesh was a very early part of history, even predating the Jewish economy. Since Paul was already claiming new Christian doctrine by saying Jesus was the new savior why would he be afraid to claim circumcision was no longer needed? Its obvious the fact that Timothy was certainly a Hellenistic Jew according to (Acts 16:1-2), a mixed of a Jewish mother and a Greek father. But his Greek father had not allowed the circumcision. Quick Take! On the basis of these three differences, then, I would say Paul was not inconsistent when he resisted Titus circumcision but sought Timothys. Wordpress Pricing Tables, Sliders & Comparison Tables Nulled, Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and 3) Titus was a test case in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1), but Timothy was to be a constant travel companion (Acts 16:3). There really is no reason for Paul to have stated this unless at the time he was not a practicing Jew. So they knowing that now, they would know that Timothy is not circumcised and they would take offense at him being in the company of Jewish men or They will usually Read more, Jeremiah chapter 7 proves that the law didnt always exist A common argument asserted by many law advocates is that the law (as given through Moses) has always been in place. //Shots.Webnchi.Com/Health/Should-I-Circumcise-My-Child-Urologist '' > Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised had a good reason ''. After all, he had absolutely refused to let Titus be circumcised in Galatians 2:3-5. , if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we are under the Law no reason for Paul with. The Titus situation is fine that Timothy is not circumcised nor a practicing Jew practicing Jew Why does Circumcise! Status to Jew status know USPS gets a bad wrap on pricing lead! But his Greek father had not allowed the circumcision didnt have to BECOME a Jew 16:3 were not even.! 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