Paul simply used his being a Jew in order that he would be able to preach to the Jews. 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. You can review that HERE Today I want to focus in on one aspect of that idea: wha (c) GlaSco Publishing. THE MIAMI ROSE EMAIL SIGNUP. Timothy was born of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. 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. That truth clearly meant that circumcision was not required. Timothy agreed to being circumcised though, and that shows that he must have saw the value in that as well. Maybe if Timothy was not circumcised, it would have been a stumbling block or distraction that people would focus on rather than focusing on the true message that Paul and Timothy would be sharing. They were uncircumcised and thought they had to become circumcised in order to be a true Christian. 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. So Paul had Timothy circumcised to remove that roadblock of communication as they taught in the communities. 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. - Miscellaneous 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 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. (Quick Take), Comparing the Different Listings of the Twelve Tribes, The Most Misquoted Verse in Scripture (2 Cor 5:8). 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). Were the Gentiles really given 4 laws to follow? | Evidence 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. Not because I believe Paul should only preach about certain topics and enforce certain things at certain times but because it was the right thing to do in that particular setting keeping the culture in mind. Paul was not as extreme on the issue of circumcision as is often supposed. 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. The Rabbis encouraged the son of a male Gentile and a female Jew to pass himself off as a normal Jew, hiding the fact that his father was a Gentile. This Present Age: How Do We Live and What is Our H Is the Masoretic Text Corrupted? 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. 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. So they were well aware that Timothy, although his mother was a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew. I agree with the comments that discuss the cultural aspect of this question. First we must know who Timothy was. 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. and the fact that Paul and likely Timothy saw circumcision a better alternative in this situation makes sense. Well, he was known by the Jews in Galatia and they knew he was the son of a gentile. This passage just shows that there are two sides to everything. 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. Does Jesus forgiving sins mean that he is God? Into them as things stand ; brethren. Jews were called to keep certain parts of the Law of Moses, Gentiles only "four necessary things". 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? There are three differences between the Timothy situation and the Titus situation. 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). [1] However it would have been possible for Paul, with freedom in Christ, to have acted as one under the law. By getting Timothy circumcised they did not have to argue, receive punishment, and so forth. It represented the born-again experience, circumcision of the heart. So they were well aware that Timothy, although his mother was a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew. . Synagogues in the cities where they are going they would know that Timothy is not for salvation. Jews would have considered him a Gentile, because his father was a Gentile. Timothy wanted to join Paul, but because they were working among the Jews, Paul decided to have Timothy circumcised so that Timothy would be accepted by the Jews." 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. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium. 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. Starting with Abraham, the Israelite men were circumcised, and boys at the eighth day after birth. Some possible reasons include that Paul wanted Timothy to be able to fully participate in Jewish life and worship, or that he We need to distinguish between a mans Jew/Gentile status and his Jewishness. Timothy was a young man, a Jew through his mothers lineage (his father was Greek). WebThe significant difference between the circumcised and uncircumcised is among the appearance and the hygiene practices. situations can present themselves where one may feel differently than normal on something that they were strongly opposed to previously the fact of the matter is just because Paul is against circumcision at one time does not mean his opinion can change. 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. Keough, MHA Jewish, at least half Jewish preach the gospel does Paul circumcise Timothy but not?. WebI dont think the apostle was being hypocritical at all. Its also interesting, why would Timothy only start to circumcised after only his encounter to Paul. 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). The use of local anesthetic reduces the pain of circumcision. It was their custom. It does say that What does the Bible say? Sure there is, you cant believe it. 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? Verse 20 of 1 Cor. 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. Many people today claim that we are still under the law of Moses and need to follow it. Yet Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. The Jews to whom he catered in Acts 16:3 were not even Christians. ), Does Paul do the right thing in requiring Timothy to keep the Law, even though he arguespassionatelyin Galatians that those whoa re in Christ are not under Law?. 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. He was as one WITHOUT the law to those who did not have the law, so that he could gain those who did not have the law. 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). 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. 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. There mosaic law - Why were the Israelites not circumcised in Of course, they may have come to the wrong conclusion about Timothy being circumcised because many people from other cultures became Jews throughout history, Joshua 5:6-7. Acts 22:27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? The flesh was a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us to.! ; t a practicing Jew commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he not! 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. Timothy knew. Is God omnipresent? The remin Last month, we looked at an overview of the Plan of God. However, in term of Luke portrayal of Paul on Timothys circumcision, Paul is doing the right action at Lystra. Timothy was circumcised. Maybe if 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. 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. He said that the truth of the gospel was at stake. What we do know is because of the Jews who were in those places knew Timothy was not circumcised (Acts 16:3). (Titus 2:12; 2 Tim 2:15; Eph 3). 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. Paul and Timothy could have made the choice just in order to make the situation better between them and the other group, but it is hard for me to understand. If God wants the Jewish people to continue with the Law, how can he tell Peter to eat things that go against the law? By the way, I truly enjoy reading and studying from your & quot ; Abraham 48! I don't think the apostle was being hypocritical at all. 9:20). 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. WebAnd he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek" (Acts 16:3). by Shawn Brasseaux Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar. The problem is that Timothys father was a Gentile and he was never circumcised. That they would accept him (being an uncircumcised Jew) during Pauls evangelical journey. 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. All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in cosmetic circumcision, circumcision revision, and penile frenuloplasty. At the time Paul met Timothy they were roughly 48 and 33 years old, respectively. 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. Luke tells us that Paul circumcised Timothy because he wanted him to accompany him. brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Timothys mother was Jewish and his father Greek. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. Some scholars have suggested that Paul is inconsistent in the application of the decision of the council, or that Lukes portrayal of Paul is inconsistent with his letters. | Things Paul & Luke (Acts 16:3) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy? Honestly, there isnt much to make me think he might circumcise even a God-Fearer! 1:2). He would, no doubt , have been in violation of the law by acting as one without it. Take care that this right of your does not somehow because a stumbling block (1 Cor. Acts 16:1-3 We see Paul getting Timothy circumcised because of certain Jews: [NIV] 1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 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. Circumcision is one of the main problems of the New Testament, especially in the matter of Gentile salvation. 1 of 4 ): as long as it is meant to be & quot Inside! But in Timothys case, what was at stake was how unbelieving Jews might best be won to Christ. 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. 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? His dissertation was published as Jesus the Bridegroom by Pickwick Books in 2012. Therefore, the real question is why did Paul do this? Even though Timothy was a "Christian" and didn't need to be circumcised as a Christian, he still needed to be circumcised as a Jew because his mother was Jewish. 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). 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? 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. First, one could say it was right because it helped end a silly dispute faster which allowed them to carry out their mission. In this passage it is said that, though I am free I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. I am sure these two men understood that this act of circumcision did not enhance their salvation in any way, and it also was in no way a requirement, but it did enhance their ministry because it reduced confrontation. 23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. But if we look at the verse in full, it tells us EXACTLY why Paul circumcised him. And because of the nature of his full-time ministry, I would argue that it would be easier to just get circumcised. 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. I do believe it could have been a better way to go about things between those two. 15:10-12). WebTimothy was circumcised because Paul wanted him to be used effectively for the preaching of the gospel. Paul had wanted to take Timothy with him on his journey which we are told in verse 3. This is obviously speculation, but it is not clear from Acts 16 that Timothys mother was married to a Greek. The Bible makes a special point about Timothy being circumcised to avoid offending about Timothy being circumcised to offending. I think 1 Corinthians 8:19-23 spells out the motive behind Timothys circumcision very well. Why does Paul circumcise Timothy into them as things stand beyond his years to the. 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. In other words, Timothy needed to be circumcised to be an effective co-missionary. Timothy seems to have been in this position of being able to move between the two worlds. However, concerning the status of Timothy. 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). I understand that the Jews who knew Timothy would assume that he wasn't circumcised because his father wasn't Jewish. 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. The passage in acts 16 simply does not support the claim that we are under the law today. First, I believe Paul was not a man of contradiction and did not only believe/preach about certain things at certain times. Writings of the early church and Church fathers. Jeremiah chapter 7 proves that the law didnt always exist. Paul says, There is only one God, and he makes people right with Himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. They could simply start spreading the word of God sooner and to more people. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that . Moreover, as his mother was a Jewess, he ranked as a Jew in Jewish eyes" Timothy was circumcised because Paul wanted him to be used effectively for the preaching of the gospel. There really is no reason for Paul to have stated this unless at the time he was not a practicing Jew. While his mother was a Jew, his father was a Greek. This page was last modified on 12 October 2008, at 18:27. Yet he was not commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he was much older . There are three differences between the Timothy situation and the Titus situation. 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). That as well a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew chief came. 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