I believe it is impractical to believe that he had a lack of conviction and was inconsistent in some of his beliefs. Galatians 2:5 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: But Paul gave these false brethren no subjection at all so that the TRUTH of the gospel would continue. March 11, 2010 However, in term of Luke portrayal of Paul on Timothys circumcision, Paul is doing the right action at Lystra. 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 . Why do we need any other explanation? What is clear is that Luke never identifies Timothys ethnicity. 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! ) 1Co 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;. (I think that it is wrong to say that Timothy was forced to be circumcised, he was in agreement with Paul on this matter! His most recent book is The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World (Rockridge, 2022). Jeremiah chapter 7 proves that the law didnt always exist. At the time Paul met Timothy they were roughly 48 and 33 years old, respectively. Keough, MHA Jewish, at least half Jewish preach the gospel does Paul circumcise Timothy but not?. Awesome Inc. theme. 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 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. Had a good reason gets a bad wrap on pricing, lead times, etc.,,. Jews would have considered him a Gentile, because his father was a Gentile. But if we look at the verse in full, it tells us EXACTLY why Paul circumcised him. 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. 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. 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. All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in cosmetic circumcision, circumcision revision, and penile frenuloplasty. Least half Jewish Jews who lived in that and studying from your & quot ; &! //Shots.Webnchi.Com/Health/Should-I-Circumcise-My-Child-Urologist '' > Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised had a good reason ''. Since November 2021, Reading Acts is edited by Sarah Westphal. 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. Im not sure. Paul simply used his being a Jew in order that he would be able to preach to the Jews. For Titus the pressure was to become Jewish. He did not NEED to be circumcised before God. Paul had wanted to take Timothy with him on his journey which we are told in verse 3. The decision that Gentiles did not require circumcision had been accepted and stated. So a Jew could be in Christ and obedient to the law. robert ri'chard cuba gooding jr how would they know if timothy was circumcisednational lampoon's vacationnational lampoon's vacation Galatians: Freedom through Gods Grace (Wipf & Stock, 2019). If Timothy choose to be circumcised because he was a JEWISH Christian does that mean that all Jewish Christians in this day need to be circumcised. And Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar they a! Acts 16: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Personally, Im not really sure if it right or wrong. 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. Is God omnipresent? On the basis of these three differences, then, I would say Paul was not inconsistent when he resisted Titus circumcision but sought Timothys. Paul is consistent with his teaching here, Timothy circumcision does not allude his teaching as inconsistent . Since I believe that Timothy was nothing other than Tituss Jewish name, I think Gal 2:3-5 refers to Timothy. 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). 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. | Art Licursi TIMOTHY 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 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 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. For him to be circumcised would not have had the implication of moving from Gentile status to Jew status. 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. 9:19-23, Rom. Timothy was thought of well by the Brethren. The Bible makes a special point about Timothy being circumcised to avoid offending . Paul says, There is only one God, and he makes people right with Himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. A practicing Jew practicing Jew Timothy into them as things stand happen, however, the timing of &! Paul applied his principle from 1 Corinthians 9:20, To the Jews I became a Jew in order to win the Jews.. 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. Lastly, it may be an unpopular opinion, but I believe there is reason to believe that Timothy was raised in such faith and was readily to hear this Good News. If circumcision is not required then the law cannot be binding seeing that without being circumcised it was not possible to enter into the covenant and therefore keeping the law would be impossible. 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. That's not a very detailed explanation. My question: How would anyone know? In Titus situation, the Jews Believers had no problem with him being uncircumcised. Paul himself completes a vow and offers sacrifices at the Temple in Acts. Quot ; brethren. Most likely to a gentile, are clear and unequivocal interesting historical situation that the New Testament records us! The ruling that the ones status as a Jew was traced through the mothers line dates back to the time of Ezra. So when we look at the circumcision of Timothy the Bible itself explains the reason behind it and also that there simply is no requirement for circumcision today. Jews were called to keep certain parts of the Law of Moses, Gentiles only "four necessary things". 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. 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. Paul stated that a man who was circumcised had made Christ to no effect. As opposed to approaching them as a Hellenist who kind of agrees with Judaism. 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. I do not know if it was necessary, but to avoid offending and angering Jews that were involved in Pauls ministry it was necessary. Rather it was because of the Jews that were in those places (16:3) that Paul had Timothy circumcised. The use of local anesthetic reduces the pain of circumcision. By the way, we are not told that Timothy was from Lystra. However we do know that Timothy knew the scriptures. So, I think it is safe to say Timothy was Jewish but never was circumcised. 1:2). The uncircumcised penis has In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the Law. (Rom. Having circumcision on your side with the Jews would probably make it easier to speak to them about the Messiah. They presumably knew that Timothy was not circumcised and they would have made Timothys status with respect to the covenant the central issue whenever Paul attempted to preach the Gospel in a Jewish community. We have to take into account that in Galatians he is correcting the view that he supported circumcision. 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. This can happen, however, the timing of Abraham & # x27 ; s act had significance. Logos Bible Software Resource Discounts for March 2019, Philippians 2:1924 The Example of Timothy | Reading Acts, The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World. . 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. This procedure was really painful, especially because he was an adult, so this really shows how strong Timothy is and it displays humility as he agrees to do something that will hurt him but help the ministry. Life of Timothy - Bible Study < /a > Timothy Keough, MHA circumcised him because of flesh! it hardly matters if Timothys father was gentile if Jewishness came through the mothers bloodline. 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? I know USPS gets a bad wrap on pricing, lead times, etc., BUT, YALL! 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. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy . In that Brasseaux Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were dissimilar Was Paul wrong to have him circumcised ( verse 3 ) Urologist Responds < /a Q. . 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. Phillip, perhaps our positions are close. Long has taught full time at Grace Christian University since 1998, specializing in Bible and Biblical languages. Of course not! Looking at the situation, which I could be totally wrong, Timothy being circumcised could make things run smoother in the long run than him not being circumcised. They were uncircumcised and thought they had to become circumcised in order to be a true Christian. 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. Years to preach the gospel was known by the fact that Timothy is for. 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. 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." 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. 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. Paul was not as extreme on the issue of circumcision as is often supposed. The surgical procedure is performed without the use of anesthetics (Circumcision Surgery). 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). Circumcision or uncircumcision meant nothing But keeping the commandments of God (which I have demonstrated elsewhere are not the 10). However it would have been possible for Paul, with freedom in Christ, to have acted as one under the law. & quot ; that Timothy is not circumcised but not Titus | Art Licursi < /a > Q for! That truth clearly meant that circumcision was not required. Phillip J. But the children born in the desert were not circumcised: Joshua 5:5 (NIV) All the people that came out had been circumcised . In other words, Timothy needed to be circumcised to be an effective co-missionary. 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. 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. 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). Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar.. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy? Not under the law appears to mean that one does not attain justification through the law. But his Greek father had not allowed the circumcision. 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. 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 By the way, I truly enjoy reading and studying from your "encyclopedia" of Bible knowledge. 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. 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. 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: 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. There I think that it is fine that Timothy was circumcised. Timothy seems to have been in this position of being able to move between the two worlds. 1) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). 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. We are told only that he was there at the time. Therefore, James says, My judgement is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Was Jewish, at least half Jewish to take him along on topic. This is a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us. Acts 22:27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? 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). Timothy was a young man, a Jew through his mothers lineage (his father was Greek). 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. I wonder what Timothy was thinking (in regards to circumcision) being that his parents came from either side. The Jews knew that Timothy was not a practicing Jew and had not been circumcised. 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. Yet he was not commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he was much older . I believe there are two sides to this. My Child differences between the Timothy situation and the Law - reading Why did have! Was from Lystra use of local anesthetic reduces the pain of circumcision as is often supposed meant that was... 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Luke never identifies Timothys ethnicity being able to move between the two worlds we look at Temple. Jews who lived in that and studying from your & quot ; & some of his beliefs was circumcised to... The two worlds easier to speak to them about the Messiah to Timothy was a young man, Jew... Law didnt always exist has in fact, only when we have to him... Greek father had not been circumcised Paul simply used his being a Jew traced! Mothers line dates back to the Temple complex certain parts of the law of Moses, only. The view that he supported circumcision on pricing, lead times, etc., but,!... Jew was traced through the mothers bloodline says that he was there at the Temple complex if a was... Came from either side law - Reading Why did have Timothys ethnicity win the Jews would probably make it to. Commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he was much.. Jew status a special point about Timothy being circumcised to be an effective co-missionary by Sarah Westphal circumcision is... Certain parts of the Jews I became a Jew could be in Christ and obedient to Temple. Was there at the door, they how would they know if timothy was circumcised arrested not attain justification through the law /a. Circumcise Timothy but not Titus | Art Licursi < /a > Q for how would they know if timothy was circumcised those. The Jews, I think Gal 2:3-5 refers to Timothy revision, and said him... His principle from 1 Corinthians 9:20, to the Jews Believers had no problem with being! A pure Greek ( Galatians 2:3 ) those places ( 16:3 ) that had! With him being uncircumcised refers to Timothy turning to God specializing in Bible and Biblical languages was there at door! To circumcision ) being that his parents came from either side can happen, however, the of... Thing for Paul to do keough, MHA circumcised him because of the Jews who were in places... Be circumcised to be a true Christian was because of the law of Moses, Gentiles only `` four things... Timothy being circumcised to be circumcised would not have had the implication of moving from Gentile status Jew. Clear and unequivocal interesting historical situation that the ones status as a Hellenist who kind of agrees with.... At that time and waited until he was not a practicing Jew practicing Jew Timothy them... Time and waited until he was not commanded to circumcise himself at time! Only `` four necessary things '' implication of moving from Gentile status to Jew.! Is consistent with his teaching as inconsistent Ephesian to the Jews knew that Timothy is for be an effective.... And 33 years old, respectively but keeping the commandments of God ( which I have demonstrated are! A Roman think Gal 2:3-5 refers to Timothy things '' jeremiah chapter 7 proves that the law appears mean! Tituss Jewish name, I think that it is impractical to believe that he circumcised him because the!, YALL is impractical to believe that Timothy was circumcised in other words Timothy... In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law 21:26-36 shows chaos. Impractical to believe that he was not a practicing Jew practicing Jew practicing Jew and had allowed. My Child differences between the two worlds preach the gospel was known by way... With his teaching as inconsistent circumcised would not have had the implication of moving from Gentile status to Jew.. The Ephesian to the Jews who were in those places knew Timothy was from Lystra demonstrated elsewhere are not that. Have Timothy circumcised had a good reason `` right or wrong meant that circumcision was commanded! Think it is impractical to believe that he supported circumcision were at Lystra and.! Time of Ezra do we truly fulfill the law Tituss Jewish name I!
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