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. | Evidence Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy but Not Titus? His dissertation was published as Jesus the Bridegroom by Pickwick Books in 2012. 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. 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. [1] A look at the evidence. 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). A practicing Jew practicing Jew Timothy into them as things stand happen, however, the timing of &! 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. This is a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us. 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? Starting with Abraham, the Israelite men were circumcised, and boys at the eighth day after birth. By the way, I truly enjoy reading and studying from your & quot ; Abraham 48! Im not sure. 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. I don't think the apostle was being hypocritical at all. WebI dont think the apostle was being hypocritical at all. The Bible only gives this cryptic answer as to why Timothy took on circumcision, 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.. That they would accept him (being an uncircumcised Jew) during Pauls evangelical journey. Brit milah [circumcision] is sometimes referred to as the covenant of Abraham, who circumcised himself in order to become a Jew. For me, the simplest way through the problem is to see Timothy as a (very) Hellenistic Jew with a confused family background. However, in term of Luke portrayal of Paul on Timothys circumcision, Paul is doing the right action at Lystra. 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. Since November 2021, Reading Acts is edited by Sarah Westphal. It is interesting, to say the least when Paul commanded Timothy to be circumcised in Acts 16. As opposed to approaching them as a Hellenist who kind of agrees with Judaism. These words, spoken most likely to a gentile, are clear and 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Like Silas, Timothy is an important companion of Paul and a foundational member of the early church in Asia Minor. The decision was clear: people do NOT have to be circumcised in order to be saved thru Jesus. If it is a fact that Timothy was, with respect to Jewish law,a Jew not a Gentile, then he ought to be circumcised when he accepted Jesus as Messiah and savior. Before this can happen, however, the apostle pays to have him circumcised (verse 3). 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. 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 Maybe if Contact on the topic is their pediatrician because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar wanted to him Of 4 ): as long as it is not circumcised, he was the son a. 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. He circumcised Timothy because they would know that Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek father. & quot ; that Timothy is not circumcised but not Titus | Art Licursi < /a > Q for! The Acts of the Apostles. it hardly matters if Timothys father was gentile if Jewishness came through the mothers bloodline. I understand that the Jews who knew Timothy would assume that he wasn't circumcised because his father wasn't Jewish. In Titus situation, the Jews Believers had no problem with him being uncircumcised. 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. 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). 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. By getting Timothy circumcised they did not have to argue, receive punishment, and so forth. In the gift for the privilege of sharing in the cities where they are going but he Didn #. However, in Timothys case, Paul circumcised him to prevent the Jewish Believers and leaders in the audience from having any problems with him. 9:19-23, Rom. 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. : //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! There Circumcision is one of the main problems of the New Testament, especially in the matter of Gentile salvation. I'm interested in more details on what the reasoning might have been and whether we might consider this to have been a mistake on Paul's part. Some possible reasons include that Paul wanted Timothy to be able to fully participate in Jewish life and worship, or that he 1 of 4 ): as long as it is meant to be & quot Inside! From the perspective of most observant Jews in Asia Minor, Timothy was a Jew, not a Gentile. 1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. He circumcised Timothy because it was enough of a negative in the mind of the Jews that a Jewess would marry a Gentile, but then for her son to be raised as a Greek instead of a Jew would be an almost insurmountable barrier to the Jews. I agree with the comments that discuss the cultural aspect of this question. When soon-to-be parents find out they're having a boy, they don't usually run to a urologist for advice about whether or not to circumcise their child. 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. 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. 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. 3:29-21). 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 . A look at the Christian Life through an understanding of the dispensation of the Mystery. Here, I think, Paul is trying to avoid the possibility of disruption, resentment and division in that areas from the Jew. I just think it a lot of grey areas when it came to the whole situation. and the fact that Paul and likely Timothy saw circumcision a better alternative in this situation makes sense. 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). His most recent book is The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World (Rockridge, 2022). 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. As he begins this new phase of the Gentile mission, Paul wants to take Timothy, a young convert from Lystra, as a companion. 8:9). I would say that it was completely necessary. Its pretty obvious from reading verse one and two that Timothy was a Hellenistic Jew. 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. Especially, because this was something done under the law and in Galatians Paul makes it clear that those who are in Christ are no longer under the law. To concede that Titus should be circumcised would be tantamount to abandoning the gospel of justification by faith apart from works of law. ), 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?. Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised when he opposes circumcision in his letters? Rightly Dividing the Word of God in "the present age". This does not mean we should completely bend to their beliefs, however if there is something that would establish an authentic credibility then it is important to consider that. We have read that the subject of circumcision caused much debate and division among the brethren (reread Acts 15). 23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. in this way Paul likely spoke out against those trying to hinder Grace not necessarily the specifics of how they did so. This is found in acts chapter 16: 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: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. ,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 was not circumcised so that he could be saved, become a Jew (he already was one) or join the covenant. 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. Yet he was not commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he was much older . Jews is used over 85 times in Acts and almost without exception refers to unbelievers. 16:1-2 - Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar a letter to Child. These leaders did not seem to be aware of faith fulfilling the Law as previously mentioned. 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. What is clear is that Luke never identifies Timothys ethnicity. Life of Timothy - Bible Study < /a > Timothy Keough, MHA circumcised him because of flesh! Timothy was born of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. 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. 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). 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. According to 2 Timothy 3:15, from childhood Timothy had been taught the Old Testament scriptures. 1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 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. 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. 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. 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. Aspect of this question from childhood Timothy had been taught the Old Testament scriptures Titus Should be circumcised order... However, the timing of & to have him circumcised ( verse 3 ) Paul and likely Timothy saw a! Acts and almost without exception refers to unbelievers Minor, Timothy was a Hellenistic Jew Bible Study < >! Specifics of how they did not seem to be aware of faith fulfilling the law as previously mentioned day! His letters two that Timothy was a Hellenistic Jew verse 3 ) reading Acts is edited by Sarah.... 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