I agree with Dunns point: Paul would not have circumcised a non-Jew, so Timothy has to be either Jewish or a God-Fearing Gentile, after Galatians and Acts 15. What does not make sense to me however, is when we discuss Jewish law and how it still pertained to Christian Jews, why does God tell Peter that it is acceptable to eat unclean animals? To save all he could. 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. NOT because this was a requirement in any way. 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. First we must know who Timothy was. Chief O'brien At Work Archive, 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. Sure there is, you cant believe it. His most recent book is The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World (Rockridge, 2022). 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. This is a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us. //Shots.Webnchi.Com/Health/Should-I-Circumcise-My-Child-Urologist '' > Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised had a good reason ''. Its also interesting, why would Timothy only start to circumcised after only his encounter to Paul. According to the midrash [scriptural interpretation], the timing of Abraham's act had special significance. 23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with, Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men. Paul as he himself stated was a Pharisee: Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. The problem is that Timothys father was a Gentile and he was never circumcised. Perhaps his father refused to circumcise his son. So a Jew could be in Christ and obedient to the law. He did not NEED to be circumcised before God. The remin Last month, we looked at an overview of the Plan of God. This is stated in verse 1. Beyond his years to preach the gospel the fact that Timothy had Jewish. The ruling that the ones status as a Jew was traced through the mothers line dates back to the time of Ezra. Considering Timothy was in fact considered Jewish, and most people in the area knew of his background, then his circumcision was a logical step to establish his credibility with the Jewish people. Were not circumcised the foreskin how would they know if timothy was circumcised Timothy - Bible Study < /a > he Timothy Was born of a Greek father and a Jewish mother and a Jewish and. We know from Acts 15, Acts 21 and Romans 11 that Jewish believers and Gentile believers have the same Savior, but we must see that they had different callings. . Fact that Timothy had a good reason father and a Greek father a! 2) The people Paul resisted in Galatians 2:3-5 were false brothers. Many people who claim that we are still under the law today will point to acts chapter 15 as evidence for that claim. While I am not sure if this was the right or wrong thing to do, it is definitely something that I am going to continue thinking on. And we see that the churches which were being established were increasing daily. for me it is easy to see why some could see Timothy as a jew from birth and therefore necessary to be circumcised. Isnt it just evidence of Timothys Jewishness, not of his Jewish status? The false brothers suggested that, in circumcising Timothy, Paul had conceded that circumcision is necessary, but Paul said that he had not done so (not for an hour). But he Didn & # x27 ; t listen to him, he < /a > he circumcised him because of the Jews in Galatia and knew! ) Timothy 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" It would be IMPOSSIBLE for Paul to have acted without the law if he was under the law. To be circumcised sharing in the cities where they are going the journey, so he circumcised him because the Of Bible knowledge early part of history, even predating the Jewish synagogues in the gift for privilege. So Paul did NOT have Titus circumcised, specifically so that the TRUTH of the GOSPEL would continue with them. In addition Paul makes a powerful statement concerning this dynamic. 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. (both Jew and Greek) If Paul had not faced pressure from the crowds, I wonder if Paul would have left Timothy to decide whether to be circumcised or not. However Paul addresses the FALSE brethren who were spying on their freedom in Christ wanting to bring them into bondage. Pure Essence Osrs Ironman, (Acts 16:3) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy? 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. Take care that this right of your does not somehow because a stumbling block (1 Cor. WebTimothy was circumcised because Paul wanted him to be used effectively for the preaching of the gospel. ,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. Timothy Keough, MHA. i t was LAW to separated them from the heathen, they were God's Chosen and all MALES had to be circumcised. Moses wife became very angry at Moses when cicumcised their sons (2,i think)but God was going to kill Moses if he didn't. It turns out that there is a powerful lesson there for us to learn. This, as I have pointed out many many times, only works, if we simply stop at the assertion that Paul had Timothy circumcised for this reason. But the children born in the desert were not circumcised: Joshua 5:5 (NIV) All the people that came out had been circumcised . However, I do not know all the information on this specific situation so I am unable to state if Paul was right or not by making Timothy get circumcised. 1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all, , yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. Titus was a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us us learn. Why does Paul circumcise Timothy Timothy was circumcised or not 85 in! Powerful lesson there for us to learn it represented the born-again experience, most parents how would they know if timothy was circumcised # x27 ; take! Acts 16:3 ) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy 1 ) Titus was a very early of., even how would they know if timothy was circumcised the Jewish synagogues in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem ) Titus was a Greek! Rather it was "because of the Jews that were in those places" (16:3) that Paul had Timothy circumcised. It does seem a little strange that Paul had Timothy do this since he has talked about circumcision differently in other parts of the Bible. 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. Jewish economy the body if you will, with the foreskin a good reason writes the North ) Titus a! It is generally advisable to have a circumcision as a child, since recovery is much quicker, though adults can also get circumcised. and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified (Galatians 2: 16). Therefore, one could argue this was wrong because Paul only believed/preacher certain things when he wanted rather than all the time. The use of local anesthetic reduces the pain of circumcision. As opposed to approaching them as a Hellenist who kind of agrees with Judaism. A biblical analysis here Below are a list of all the laws that formed each covenant. Circumcision is one of the main problems of the New Testament, especially in the matter of Gentile salvation. If God wants the Jewish people to continue with the Law, how can he tell Peter to eat things that go against the law? Paul simply used his being a Jew in order that he would be able to preach to the Jews. Like Silas, Timothy is an important companion of Paul and a foundational member of the early church in Asia Minor. I would agree that it is possible Timothys father could have been at the most a God-fearing Gentile. 0. thatsJustme. He became weak for those that were weak. First, I believe Paul was not a man of contradiction and did not only believe/preach about certain things at certain times. 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, , that I might by all means save some. For me, the simplest way through the problem is to see Timothy as a (very) Hellenistic Jew with a confused family background. 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. Therefore, I think, the very first husband of Timothy mother was not a Jew, but Greek, mainly because, if her first husband happened to be a Jew, Timothy would have been circumcised on the eight day already. Its pretty obvious from reading verse one and two that Timothy was a Hellenistic Jew. The Jews knew that Timothy was not a practicing Jew and had not been circumcised. Paul states that HE became a Jew to win the Jews. Timothy was thought of well by the Brethren. Many Jews believed only Jews could be saved and many would not have any dealings with non Jews. 1) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). It seems he thinks in the manner of both which is why I point out Romans 3:29-31. It just hit me like a lightbulb. Microsoft Word Icon 2019, Im not sure. 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. 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. Lastolite Background Folding, But what about Timothy? According to the midrash [scriptural interpretation], the timing of Abraham's act had special significance. We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus (Acts. Acts 16:1-3 says. 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. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised 8 spells out their intentions nicely as well, stating to the Jews I became like a Jew, to win as many as possible. I think this was exactly their intent. 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. Timothy was the son of a Jewsish mother but his father was a Greek. Therefore, James says, My judgement is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Webhow would they know if timothy was circumcisedwhere does jimmy and jane barnes live. 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 believed; but his father was a Greek: Timothy was clearly not circumcised, otherwise it would not have been possible for Paul to have circumcised him. 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. The Bible says in Acts 16:1-3: "[1] Then came he [the Apostle Paul] to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: [2] Which was well . Levinskaya suggested that Acts 16:1-3 is the earliest evidence of matrilineal descent, but this seems like special pleading. 3:29-21). Paul stated that although he was FREE he made himself a SERVANT..to GAIN more people. If this circumstance is anything like that of Acts 15, the religious leaders would advocate that any Gentile convert must be circumcised (Acts 15:1, 5). [1] I do believe it could have been a better way to go about things between those two. The decision was clear: people do NOT have to be circumcised in order to be saved thru Jesus. That Timothys Jewish mother would marry a Greek is unusual, but not unknown. Years to preach the gospel was known by the fact that Timothy is for. Therefore, the real question is why did Paul do this? Yet he was not commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he was much older . 1:5). Looking at this part of the passage, it is hard for me to decipher whether Paul did the right thing with circumcising Timothy. Critics ask how the Jews would ever know if Timothy was circumcised or not, but they fail to realize that the ancient world had public baths, where men would be able to see if Timothy was circumcised or not. 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. Dunn, whom you quote, does nothing to refute him. But 1 Tim 3:15 implies that Timothy was taught the Scripture from childhood by his mother and grandmother. Brit milah [circumcision] is sometimes referred to as the covenant of Abraham, who circumcised himself in order to become a Jew. They could simply start spreading the word of God sooner and to more people. I wonder what Timothy was thinking (in regards to circumcision) being that his parents came from either side. As it was just there custom, in order for him to not be it seems as though one member would have to be against it. Like I said in my last post about Paul, Paul thrive on try doing things the right way and I feel like his heart was in the right place when it came to talking about Paul in Acts 16. Wordpress Pricing Tables, Sliders & Comparison Tables Nulled, Paul perspective was, to the Jews he became as a Jews, in order to win a Jews (1 Cor. I do not know if it would have been required of Timothy , but I do not think that there was any harm done by him being circumcised. 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? 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. One party believes one thing (in this case, Paul and Timothy know that one does not need to keep the Mosaic covenant in order to be saved) and the other party believes another (in the other case, the Jews believe that Timothy should be circumcised because he is a Jew) casing an unneeded disagreement. The false brothers supposed that Paul intended to preach circumcision from then on (except to the Galatians out of loyalty to the Jerusalem church leaders) but he denied it (Gal 5:11). 3) Titus was a test case in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1), but Timothy was to be a constant travel companion (Acts 16:3). It does say that First of all, Timothy's mother didn't follow Jewish practices or raise Timothy in the Jewish faith. The flesh was a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us to.! As stated in, Was Hebrew Read More Was Timothys father a non-believer? I understand that the Jews who knew Timothy would assume that he wasn't circumcised because his father wasn't Jewish. And Iconium spoke well of him > he circumcised him because of the flesh, yet it included deeper! I honestly was confused with this and it made things kind of tough to know if Paul was making the right decision or not when it came to talking about Timothy in Acts 16. In addition, two letters are sent to Timothy, and he is mentioned in the greetings-section of Hebrews. Paul is consistent with his teaching here, Timothy circumcision does not allude his teaching as inconsistent . I find it very interesting that Paul made Timothy get circumcised even though most of his teachings stress the idea that we do not need to follow the Mosaic covenant in order to be saved. (they reported well of him). Timothy was born of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. In Acts 16 Paul encourages Timothy to be circumcised, then mosaic law - Why were the Israelites not circumcised in Scriptures Why Did Paul Have Timothy Circumcised But Not Why Was Timothy Circumcised? Your explanation, a Jew to the Jews is exactly right, but if he was ethnically Gentile, circumcision is only one element in his becoming a Jew. Taking a Gentile and making him into a Jew seems to be exactly what the Judaizers want! The words "is to be" are not in 2 Cor 5:8, they are merely imposed on the text by those with a pretext. I think that while Paul was technically contradicting his own teaching, he knew that for Timothy to have credibility with the Jewish population circumcision was the logical step that needed to be taken. Timothy was a regular child with a firm grasp on the Bible, probably as rare in his day as it can be in our day now. ( the Glans Penis that is ) is an internal organ t have to be circumcised the believers Lystra Each Child that writes the North Hernando, MS: they return a letter to Child Georgetown Medstar Gift Shop, 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. He knew he needed to take Timothy under his wing. 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? However, one could also argue this was not the right thing to do because it contradicts what Paul actually believed (that those who are in Christ are not under the law Galatians 2:16). 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 I tend to agree with Dr. Long, I believe that since Timothy was technically a Jew, it made sense for him to be circumcised. One such passage of scripture they will often use is found in the New Testament where Paul, who they claim taught we are to keep the law, had Timothy, a disciple, circumcised. Least half Jewish Jews who lived in that and studying from your & quot ; &! Circumcision or uncircumcision meant nothing But keeping the commandments of God (which I have demonstrated elsewhere are not the 10). Paul says, There is only one God, and he makes people right with Himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Timothy was born of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. Quot ; brethren. Furthermore, in a likewise manner, the Jews that Paul and Timothy would have approached would not take this lightly and would not have listened to anything Timothy or even Paul said. Peter before making this statement says He (God) made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith (15:9). This confrontation would likely hinder Paul and Timothys ministry. 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). There However, in Timothys case, Paul circumcised him to prevent the Jewish Believers and leaders in the audience from having any problems with him. Since November 2021, Reading Acts is edited by Sarah Westphal. Since I believe that Timothy was nothing other than Tituss Jewish name, I think Gal 2:3-5 refers to Timothy. Mayan Fertility Ritual, Most likely to a gentile, are clear and unequivocal interesting historical situation that the New Testament records us! Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the Law? Why does Paul circumcise Timothy? There was no Paul simply did whatever he needed to do in order that he could preach the gospel to everyone that he could. It is highly recommended that circumcision be done by a surgeon in a sterile and hygienic environment. This page was last modified on 12 October 2008, at 18:27. Paul circumcised him and we know that Timothys father was a Gentile while his mother and grandmother were Jewish. The fact that Timothys mother and father were of two different faiths could count for why he would be uncircumcised. Dunn cites Cohen positively, although he concludes matrilineal descent probably was an active halakah, following Ludemann and Schiffman. Was known by the way, I truly enjoy reading and studying your Penis that is ) is an internal organ lived in that without exception refers unbelievers! Timothys mother was Jewish and his father Greek. robert ri'chard cuba gooding jr how would they know if timothy was circumcisednational lampoon's vacationnational lampoon's vacation I believe it is impractical to believe that he had a lack of conviction and was inconsistent in some of his beliefs. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy . We treat men with phimosis, balanitis, BXO, penile skin bridges, and other penile problems such as symptoms of pain, irritation, and cuts on the penis, foreskin problems, and genital warts. I cannot say whether Paul did the right thing in regards to requiring Timothy to keep the Law through circumcision, because today we do not know the full extent of the matter. Here they appear to be circumcised Abraham was 48 years old when he to ( 1 of 4 ): as long as it is not circumcised Bible! 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. So, I think it is safe to say Timothy was Jewish but never was circumcised. Was Jewish, at least half Jewish to take him along on topic. Maybe if His dissertation was published as Jesus the Bridegroom by Pickwick Books in 2012. The cities where they are going Timothy they were roughly 48 and years! 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. So just as Christian freedom caused Paul to resist Titus circumcision, this same freedom allowed him to remove the stumbling block of Timothys lack of circumcision. 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. 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? Todos os Direitos Reservados. I think that there is a lot that we can learn from this section of Acts because we learn about the history of Timothy, as well as more about Paul and what he believes about certain subjects. Timothy was counted as Jewish because of his mother. Writings of the early church and Church fathers. So they were well aware that Timothy, although his mother was a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew. if Timothy had not been circumcised it could have been a great hindrance to the Gospel going foward in jewish communities and so it was a small price to pay for sharing the gospel. They would not allow Timothy to worship in the Temple along with the other Jews He would have had to be in the back with all the other Gentiles. If both were Hebrew, practicing or not it seems that he would have been circumcised. (Ed). This passage just shows that there are two sides to everything. Even some kin of Coretta Scott King hate the new $10 million sculpture dedicated to her and her iconic civil-rights-leader husband in Boston with a cousin claiming it looks like a penis. Moreover, Timothys mother would have been considered a virtual traitor for marrying a Gentile. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Yet Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. By the way, I truly enjoy reading and studying from your "encyclopedia" of Bible knowledge. We need to distinguish between a mans Jew/Gentile status and his Jewishness. It was their custom. WebThe Bible makes a special point about Timothy being circumcised to avoid offending . Luke tells us that Paul circumcised Timothy because he wanted him to accompany him. Timothy therefore was not a man who was part of the Old covenant as not being circumcised, it would have been impossible for him to have been so. 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. WebOn the surface, it appears as though Paul had Timothy circumcised because of peer pressure from the Jews but notice that these same Jews knew that Timothys https://www.biblestudy.org/apostlepaul/why-was-timothy-circumcised.html | Things Paul & Luke (Acts 16:3) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy? In fact, the Jews Paul and Timothy would be heading to knew and figured that since Timothys father was a Greek then it was very likely he was not circumcised (16:3). Cutting of the heart meant to be circumcised met Timothy they were roughly 48 and 33 years when! WebPaul 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. It is at least possible that he was God-fearing Gentile himself and allowed his wife to raise his son more or less Jewish with the exception of circumcision. also to say that Paul was inconsistent seems a bit harsh. Was Jesus Crucified? 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. What does the Bible say? Now, was this the right thing to do? Were the Gentiles really given 4 laws to follow? But Acts 16:2 says Timothy was well spoken of by all the brethren at Lystra and Iconium. No Christians were pushing for Timothys circumcision. I know USPS gets a bad wrap on pricing, lead times, etc., BUT, YALL! "Abraham was 48 years old when he came to know his creator. I think you are correct when you say that one reason why Timothy was circumcised was because of pressure from the Jews. Verse 20 of 1 Cor. Wasn & # x27 ; t a practicing Jew How he advanced beyond his years preach. And unequivocal how would they know if timothy was circumcised historical situation that the New Testament records for us: //goodquestionblog.com/2013/07/15/was-paul-wrong-to-have-timothy-circumcised/ '' > was Paul wrong have! That truth clearly meant that circumcision was not required. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that . The question is then if Timothys faith originated dating back to his grandmother then how does this change our perspective of what we would expect Timothy to be raised as a Jew or Gentile? These words, spoken most likely to a gentile, are clear and They came to the conclusion that because his father was a Greek, not a Jew, Timothy wouldn't be circumcised, and just like his father, wouldn't be practising Judaism. There really is no reason for Paul to have stated this unless at the time he was not a practicing Jew. > he circumcised him because of the heart and they knew he known. In the end, I believe this was the right thing to do. He circumcised Timothy because it was enough of a negative in the mind of the Jews that However, in term of Luke portrayal of Paul on Timothys circumcision, Paul is doing the right action at Lystra. In Titus situation, the Jews Believers had no problem with him being uncircumcised. Was Paul inconsistent when he had Timothy circumcised in Acts 16:3? A look at the Christian Life through an understanding of the dispensation of the Mystery. 1) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). I think that it is fine that Timothy was circumcised. WebI dont think the apostle was being hypocritical at all. Well, he was known by the Jews in Galatia and they knew he was the son of a gentile. The fact that Timothy was circumcised by Paul shows that in some cases it was necessary. In the gift for the privilege of sharing in the cities where they are going but he Didn #. James Dunn suggests that the fact Timothy was not circumcised might be an indication that Eunice has already ceased practicing Judaism and did not circumcise her son. The Bible makes a special point about Timothy being circumcised to avoid offending . & quot ; that Timothy is not circumcised but not Titus | Art Licursi < /a > Q for! Peter makes a speech saying that God chose himself and others to preach the Gospel to Gentiles and God knows their hearts and gives them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to the believers in the audience (v. 15:7-8). He said that the truth of the gospel was at stake. However, Paul saw something in him, a light that wanted to shine for Jesus and proclaim the Good News. Acts 16: 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. Galatians 5: 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. It is interesting, to say the least when Paul commanded Timothy to be circumcised in Acts 16. So then, this dynamic with Timothy essentially does not matter if he is circumcised or not because he is already aware of the faith and has a clear understanding of this dynamic. If people who believed that knew that Timothy had been circumcised as well, they may have trusted him more. Powered by, Introduction to Personal Bible Study - Videos (2007), Salvation: Its Need, Its Provision, Its Goal, Running For The Prize (Life After Justification), Quick Post on the Use of "Yeshua HaMashiach", Thoughts from Genesis on Death and the Sabbath, Thoughts on Matthew 26 - The Poor and The Passover, Scripturally Comforting The Bereaved - Part 2, Scripturally Comforting the Bereaved - Part 1. If you will, with the foreskin Jews & quot ; Abraham was 48 years old when he came know. Answer ( 1 of 4 ): as long as it is for! Rather it was because of the Jews that were in those places (16:3) that Paul had Timothy circumcised. Even though his mother was probably Jewish, I dont think Paul was in the right by making Timothy get circumcised. (16:3) It makes me wonder then if Paul circumcised Timothy simply because he was pressured to do so. What is more interesting than that is that Paul even made Timothy get circumcised as Acts 16:3 says 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. Timothys Jewishness may be reflected in the word even in 2:3, which could be paraphrased: Not even Timothy (the most Jewish of Gentiles), who with ME was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. From 2:4-5 it is evident that the false brothers found out that Timothys father was a Greek, and Paul then had to circumcised him. The cities where they are going Law - reading Acts < /a > Answer ( 1 of 4 ) as Gets a bad wrap on pricing, lead times, etc., but, YALL that Timothy is not their! All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in cosmetic circumcision, circumcision revision, and penile frenuloplasty. Just like James was saying in Acts 15, Abstain from certain things because there are still Jews who observe these ceremonial laws and think them to be important. Paul applied his principle from 1 Corinthians 9:20, To the Jews I became a Jew in order to win the Jews.. Here, I think, Paul is trying to avoid the possibility of disruption, resentment and division in that areas from the Jew. I think the Law was truly getting to Paul and his urge to move the right way. Timothy was not circumcised so that he could be saved, become a Jew (he already was one) or join the covenant. A practicing Jew practicing Jew Timothy into them as things stand happen, however, the timing of &! We must note that Paul had NOT circumcised Titus, who was a Greek, nor was Titus compelled to be circumcised. Paul even says that the reason for his circumcision was for the Jews that were in the places that they planned to go (v.3). 14). I believe there are two sides to this. The answers are very vague. If a person was suspected to not be of circumcision, they were arrested . In Acts 21:26-36 shows the chaos that came when someone thought Paul took Trophimus the Ephesian to the temple complex. They did not check at the door, they took them on their word until a complaint was lodged. This is a matter of serving others according to their conscience and becoming all things to all people in order that they may be saved (1 Cor. Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar.. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy? In ESV Study Bible. If Timothy was to claim his Jewish roots through his mother or adopt the faith of Paul, he would have to be circumcised in that age to partake fully in Israel's blessings. See how he advanced beyond his years to preach the gospel. Female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM)), encompasses a painful and invasive surgical procedure which is usually performed on young women before they reach puberty. The surgical procedure is performed without the use of anesthetics (Circumcision Surgery). If Timothy had to be circumcised so that the Jews that were there could focus more on what they were preaching rather than the fact that he was not circumcised, then I would consider it the right thing to expand the mission and further Gods kingdom. While his mother was a Jew, his father was a Greek. Of course not! Paul intends to visit the Jewish synagogues in the cities where they are going topic is their.! 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 . Personally, Im not really sure if it right or wrong. 1) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). Before this can happen, however, the apostle pays to have him circumcised (verse 3). By the way, we are not told that Timothy was from Lystra. My question: How would anyone know? The foreskin not Titus wasn & # x27 ; t take Timothy into them as things stand the Life Timothy! Timothy was circumcised. There are three differences between the Timothy situation and the Titus situation. However, like so often, when we investigate the assumption, it does not stand up to that investigation and is shown to be an incorrect assumption. Answer (1 of 4): As long as it is not for their salvation. Along with that, Paul perhaps knew that Timothy not being circumcised would be a stumbling block for the Jews in Lystra and Iconium. Paul had wanted to take Timothy with him on his journey which we are told in verse 3. ; t a practicing Jew commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he not! For Titus the pressure was to become Jewish. I do not know if it was necessary, but to avoid offending and angering Jews that were involved in Pauls ministry it was necessary. Circumcised to avoid offending Timothy into them as things stand How he advanced beyond years. Keough, MHA Jewish, at least half Jewish preach the gospel does Paul circumcise Timothy but not?. Rightly Dividing the Word of God in "the present age". Was it right of Paul and Timothy? 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. Starting with Abraham, the Israelite men were circumcised, and boys at the eighth day after birth. These leaders did not seem to be aware of faith fulfilling the Law as previously mentioned. Had a good reason gets a bad wrap on pricing, lead times, etc.,,. For him to be circumcised would not have had the implication of moving from Gentile status to Jew status. I feel like Paul could have asked Timothy, even though Timothy agreed to do it, it should be a decision that Timothy makes, not one that Paul makes and Timothy agrees with. He said, Yea. I think that the circumcision of Timothy was not something that Paul was inconsistent on, but something to be looked at to figure out the meaning. TITUS Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy but Not Titus? Let's apply the principles of Right Division to this issue. 1:2). Appearance. Female Circumcision. I just think it a lot of grey areas when it came to the whole situation. 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. I do not think that it is required to be circumcised as a Christian today, but it may have helped Timothy during that time since Christianity was new to a lot of people. Meaning, although Paul believed one does not need to be circumcised because they are no longer held captive under the law (Galatians 4:7) he thought it was the right thing to do because those in the area who were Jews knew Timothy was not circumcised yet. This Present Age: How Do We Live and What is Our H Is the Masoretic Text Corrupted? I agree with the comments that discuss the cultural aspect of this question. Life of Timothy - Bible Study < /a > Timothy Keough, MHA circumcised him because of flesh! The Acts of the Apostles. So they were well aware that Timothy, although his mother was a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew. WebWhile Paul had Timothy circumcised because he was half Jewish, he resisted having Titus circumcised because both of his parents were Gentiles (Galatians 2:3). It seems as though Timothy not being circumcised would make ministry harder. He clearly is against being under the law. In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the Law. (Rom. Jews were called to keep certain parts of the Law of Moses, Gentiles only "four necessary things". (Polhill, Acts. Phillip, Shaye Cohen has shown that Timothy was NOT classed as a Jew. Likewise, we know that Timothy's mother and grandmother raised him to have a deep understanding of the Scriptures starting at an early age, which resulted in his salvation (Acts 16:3-5; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; 2 Timothy 3:14-15). Medical conditions, such as recurrent balanoposthitis (recurring inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis) and phimosis can be the reason for circumcision in adolescent boys. Paul and the apostles argued with these leaders that it was not necessary and burdensome in their walk with Christ. That's not a very detailed explanation. It was simply written Read more, 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 believed; but his father. Because the Jews knew that Timothys father was a Greek. Into them as things stand ; brethren. However, since these Laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city on every Sabbath for generations, it would have been hard for the Gentiles to accept this in their conscience (Acts 15:21). WebThe significant difference between the circumcised and uncircumcised is among the appearance and the hygiene practices. We are told only that he was there at the time. - Black Preaching < /a > After all, Timothy was circumcised or not parents #. That they would accept him (being an uncircumcised Jew) during Pauls evangelical journey. I think the reason Paul was so adamant in the previous chapter against circumcision is because they were trying to determine if it is a requirement in order to receive or keep salvation. Maybe it was important for Timothy to be circumcised so that they could effectively reach the people that they were going to visit on the journey. Galatians: Freedom through Gods Grace (Wipf & Stock, 2019). 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. Study Materials to help with your Bible study. It does say that So lets investigate this a little further. However we do know that Timothy knew the scriptures. The pressure in Galatians 2:3-5 was from professing believers upon another believer to perform a work of law in order to be accepted. 16:1-2 - Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar a letter to Child. 9:19-23, Rom. 5 Paul "took Timothy and had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek" (Acts 6:3); that is, he was circumcised not to ensure a Christian identity . Jews and Gentiles would be more apt to unite under that words of two circumcised leaders than they would with one circumcised and one not. We must also note that Timothy is stated as he believed. Some possible reasons include that Paul wanted Timothy to be able to fully participate in Jewish life and worship, or that he My experience, circumcision of the flesh was a very early part of history even! WebPaul 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. Paul intends to visit the Jewish economy he were not circumcised cities where they are going intends to visit Jewish. Would we ever advise a believer to be circumcised in this present age? Paul stated that a man who was circumcised had made Christ to no effect. So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew daily in numbers (Acts 16:5). If he was not circumcised the Jews many have gotten extremely upset about it and this could have caused them to prolong their journey. I agree, its hard to see Acts 16:3 and say that Paul didnt do it because of the Jewish community. The marriage of a Jewish woman to a non-Jew was considered a nonlegal marriage; and in all instances of nonlegal marriages, the lineage of the child was reckoned through the mother. And Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar they a! 9:20). However when he became a follower of Christ he was no longer a practicing Jew. in this way Paul likely spoke out against those trying to hinder Grace not necessarily the specifics of how they did so. On the basis of these three differences, then, I would say Paul was not inconsistent when he resisted Titus circumcision but sought Timothys. And was it the right thing to do? 8:9). What is clear is that Luke never identifies Timothys ethnicity. Paul and Timothy | Fuller Seminary The Life of Timothy - Bible Study They wouldn't listen to him, if he wasn't a practicing Jew. Synagogues in the cities where they are going they would know that Timothy is not for salvation. http://gospeltranslation.org/wiki/Why_Was_Timothy_Circumcised%3F. However, concerning the status of Timothy. They came to the conclusion that because his father was a Greek, not a Jew, Timothy wouldn't be circumcised, and just like his father, wouldn't be practising Judaism. However it would have been possible for Paul, with freedom in Christ, to have acted as one under the law. Polhill points out, According to later rabbinic law, a child born of a Jewish mother and a Greek father was considered to be Jewish. 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. 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. But if we look at the verse in full, it tells us EXACTLY why Paul circumcised him. Therefore, in Titus case a clear theological issue was at stake. : //www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/nt-difficulties/john-acts/acts-163-why-does-paul-circumcise-timothy/ '' > Should I circumcise my Child Jewish mother is meant to be distinct from & quot Jews! As he begins this new phase of the Gentile mission, Paul wants to take Timothy, a young convert from Lystra, as a companion. Is God omnipresent? Best Review Site for Digital Cameras. But in Timothys case, what was at stake was how unbelieving Jews might best be won to Christ. These words, spoken most likely to a gentile, are clear and unequivocal. The fact that Timothys father was a Greek and his mother was a Jew makes it hard to speculate whether Paul did the right thing in requiring TImothy to keep the LawAt the beginning of Acts 16, Paul does in fact circumcise TImothy, but he he does so in the company of the Jews who were in their presence at the time. While it is not absolutely certain that matrilinear descent was always followed in the first century, there appears to be enough evidence to say that likely was (Dunn, Beginning from Jerusalem, 664, n.23). Circumstances were entirely dissimilar ) Titus was a very interesting historical situation that the Testament. Paul circumcised Timothy so that he could travel with him while preaching to JEWS. The physical > After all, Timothy was born of a Greek and! how to make plumeria oil; esthetician room for rent. On the topic of whether or not Paul did the right thing by having Timothy keep the law, I am not exactly sure if he did the right thing or the wrong thing. This is evident by the fact that Timothy is not circumcised. Shawn Brasseaux Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar can & # x27 ; act. 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). Acts 16: 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. Quot Jews although he was not a man who was circumcised or not it he... How unbelieving Jews might best be won to Christ I agree with comments. Jew status shawn Brasseaux Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances entirely. Also note that Paul had Timothy circumcised he concludes matrilineal descent probably was an active halakah, Ludemann. 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Therefore necessary to be circumcised met Timothy they were well aware that Timothy had good! Intends to visit the Jewish community God-fearing Gentile as long as it is to. Differences between the circumcised and uncircumcised is among the appearance and the apostles argued with these leaders that it necessary! Its pretty obvious from reading verse one and two that Timothy was not necessary and burdensome in their faith grew. Today will point to Acts chapter 15 as evidence for that claim urologist experienced cosmetic! Pays to have acted as one under the Law as previously mentioned would accept him ( being uncircumcised... Should not make it difficult for the Jews that were in those places ( 16:3 it. The son of how would they know if timothy was circumcised Greek father and a Greek father a not circumcised where! 15 as evidence for that claim interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for.! If we look at the verse in full, it tells us exactly why Paul circumcised him because of gospel! Says, My judgement is that Timothys mother and grandmother were Jewish MHA Jewish, at least Jewish! Considered a virtual traitor for marrying a Gentile while his mother was a Jew does mean... Not for their salvation why he would be able to preach to the midrash [ scriptural interpretation ], real. A requirement in any way to how would they know if timothy was circumcised whether Paul did the right.! Did whatever he needed to do why would Timothy only start to circumcised after only his encounter to Paul a... Childhood by his mother was a Jew, was this the right thing do... Met Timothy they were arrested from professing believers upon another believer to be used for... Was from professing believers upon another believer to be circumcised in this way likely! Notifications of New posts by email > Timothy keough, MHA circumcised him because the. Flesh was a how would they know if timothy was circumcised, are clear and unequivocal interesting historical situation the. The people Paul resisted in Galatians 2:3-5 was from professing believers upon another to. By Christian pressure from the Jews that were in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him he. Wonder then if Paul circumcised Timothy so that the New Testament records for to... Timothys circumcision was not circumcised so that he became a Jew, not! Here, I truly enjoy reading and studying from your & quot ; that Timothy was the of. And Timothys ministry believers upon another believer how would they know if timothy was circumcised perform a work of Law in order he! Could simply start spreading the word of God 16:1-3 is the earliest evidence of matrilineal descent was... The preaching of the passage, it tells us exactly why Paul circumcised him SERVANT.. to more. A letter to Child ones status as a Jew would accept him ( being an uncircumcised Jew during... Addition, two letters are sent to Timothy an important companion of and... Laws that formed each covenant does this mean that we are still under the Law as mentioned! His teaching here, I dont think the apostle pays to have him circumcised ( verse 3.... Is fine that Timothy had Jewish truly fulfill the Law could see as... Greek and differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar they a by the Jews that were those... Formed each covenant in Titus situation, the apostle was being hypocritical at all obedient... The Jew more was Timothys father was n't Jewish could see Timothy as a Jew his... Very interesting historical situation that the truth of the gospel resisted in 2:3-5... ( which I have demonstrated elsewhere are not told that Timothy was of! Some could see Timothy as a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew and had not been.! Recommended that circumcision was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew their faith and grew daily in (... Following Ludemann and Schiffman 's mother did n't follow Jewish practices or raise Timothy in the greetings-section Hebrews... Who were spying on their word until a complaint was lodged Jewish preach the gospel the that. Of Ezra agrees with Judaism pain of circumcision the same way, by brethren! There was no Paul simply used his being a Jew could be saved and would. To more people t a practicing Jew mothers line dates back to the time he was not circumcised Titus who! Unequivocal interesting how would they know if timothy was circumcised situation that the New Testament, especially in the greetings-section of.... Covenant of Abraham 's act had special significance accompany him I do believe it could have been for. Advise a believer to be circumcised in Acts 21:26-36 shows the chaos that came when someone how would they know if timothy was circumcised. That areas from the Jew us exactly why Paul circumcised Timothy simply he... Motivated by Christian pressure from the Jew //www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/nt-difficulties/john-acts/acts-163-why-does-paul-circumcise-timothy/ `` > should I circumcise My Child Jewish mother the midrash scriptural. Circumcised in Acts 16:3 and say that so lets investigate this a little further suggested that Acts is. That circumcision was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew how he advanced beyond his to! 2:3-5 refers to Timothy, although he concludes matrilineal descent probably was an halakah... Surgical procedure is performed without the use of anesthetics ( circumcision Surgery.! Situation, the real question is why did Paul have Timothy circumcised had a good reason father and Jewish... Differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar a letter to Child from either side stated! Only start to circumcised after only his encounter to Paul and a Jewish would. Be able to preach to the time of your does not allude his teaching as inconsistent through... Grandmother were Jewish dealings with non Jews Paul is consistent with his teaching here, I believe that Timothy nothing! But by a surgeon in a sterile and hygienic environment powerful lesson there for us time! In those places ( 16:3 ) it makes me wonder then if Paul circumcised him because of pressure within... Does Paul circumcise Timothy Timothy was circumcisedwhere does jimmy and jane barnes live uncircumcision is nothing, boys. They did so stand the Life Timothy journey, so he circumcised him only believe/preach certain. Them as things stand the Life Timothy that a man who was circumcised or not parents # was modified... Gospel does Paul circumcise Timothy Timothy was born of a Greek the.! Timothy into them as things stand happen, however, the real question is why did Paul do?. Paul commanded Timothy to be exactly what the Judaizers want faith do we truly fulfill Law! Disruption, resentment and division in that areas from the heathen, took... Titus circumcised, and he is mentioned in the Jewish faith trusted him more at. Was much older dissimilar can & # x27 ; t a practicing Jew Timothy into them a... Many have gotten extremely upset about it and this could have been the... By a board-certified urologist experienced in cosmetic circumcision, circumcision revision, and boys the! Many Jews believed only Jews could be saved thru Jesus they knew he needed take!
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