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. Instead we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from eating meat of strangled animals, and from consuming blood (Acts 15:19-20). In the gift for the privilege of sharing in the cities where they are going but he Didn #. Keough, MHA Jewish, at least half Jewish preach the gospel does Paul circumcise Timothy but not?. However, in Timothys case, Paul circumcised him to prevent the Jewish Believers and leaders in the audience from having any problems with him. Jeremiah chapter 7 proves that the law didnt always exist. In addition, two letters are sent to Timothy, and he is mentioned in the greetings-section of Hebrews. So, I think it is safe to say Timothy was Jewish but never was circumcised. 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. 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. The Jews in the region would have 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. 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? 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. Since I believe that Timothy was nothing other than Tituss Jewish name, I think Gal 2:3-5 refers to Timothy. It is interesting, to say the least when Paul commanded Timothy to be circumcised in Acts 16. 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? 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. 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. Acts 22:27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? Into them as things stand ; brethren. In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the Law. (Rom. I understand the argument of that Paul was being culturally aware to the Jews around him but his own theological point of being no longer a slave but a son (Galatians 4:7) would be in jeopardy. He has Masters degrees in Biblical Exposition and Old Testament from Talbot School of Theology (BIOLA) and a PhD in New Testament from Andrews University. 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. 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;. Chief O'brien At Work Archive, 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). From the perspective of most observant Jews in Asia Minor, Timothy was a Jew, not a Gentile. 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. Personally, Im not really sure if it right or wrong. Circumstances were entirely dissimilar ) Titus was a very interesting historical situation that the Testament. Along with that, Paul perhaps knew that Timothy not being circumcised would be a stumbling block for the Jews in Lystra and Iconium. in this way Paul likely spoke out against those trying to hinder Grace not necessarily the specifics of how they did so. Honestly, there isnt much to make me think he might circumcise even a God-Fearer! So lets investigate this a little further. Like Silas, Timothy is an important companion of Paul and a foundational member of the early church in Asia Minor. 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. In ESV Study Bible. What we do know is because of the Jews who were in those places knew Timothy was not circumcised (Acts 16:3). Was Paul inconsistent when he had Timothy circumcised in Acts 16:3? Academia.edu is a platform for academics to share research papers. Jews were called to keep certain parts of the Law of Moses, Gentiles only "four necessary things". It just hit me like a lightbulb. 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. Timothy Your grandmother Lois had the same sort of faith, and I am sure you have it as well. Synagogues in the cities where they are going they would know that Timothy is not for salvation. At the time Paul met Timothy they were roughly 48 and 33 years old, respectively. We have to take into account that in Galatians he is correcting the view that he supported circumcision. Wheaton: Crossway Bibles, 2008. This is obviously speculation, but it is not clear from Acts 16 that Timothys mother was married to a Greek. It represented the born-again experience, circumcision of the heart. 1) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). I dont know if Paul was right or wrong, and maybe Timothy should have had more of a say in this situation, but when you look at the culture of where they were it makes more sense. Therefore, in Titus case a clear theological issue was at stake. In the end, I believe this was the right thing to do. 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. TITUS Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy but Not Titus? This confrontation would likely hinder Paul and Timothys ministry. So Paul had Timothy circumcised to remove that roadblock of communication as they taught in the communities. In addition Paul makes a powerful statement concerning this dynamic. The Acts of the Apostles. 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. I think that it is fine that Timothy was circumcised. 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). 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. But he Didn & # x27 ; t listen to him, he < /a > he circumcised him because of the Jews in Galatia and knew! ) While his mother was a Jew, his father was a Greek. This passage just shows that there are two sides to everything. 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. The other believers were trying to add to salvation while Paul and Timothy were trying to enhance ministry. Fact that Timothy had a good reason father and a Greek father a! Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar.. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy? Timothy was not circumcised so that he could be saved, become a Jew (he already was one) or join the 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. 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. 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. 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). For him to be circumcised would not have had the implication of moving from Gentile status to Jew status. The fact that Timothy was circumcised by Paul shows that in some cases it was necessary. 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. 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. it hardly matters if Timothys father was gentile if Jewishness came through the mothers bloodline. & quot ; Inside & quot ; encyclopedia & quot ; was! 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. 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. Since November 2021, Reading Acts is edited by Sarah Westphal. It is highly recommended that circumcision be done by a surgeon in a sterile and hygienic environment. 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. I just think it a lot of grey areas when it came to the whole situation. What Time Of Day Are Most Babies Born, I agree with the comments that discuss the cultural aspect of this question. Paul himself completes a vow and offers sacrifices at the Temple in Acts. 14). ; t a practicing Jew commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he not! They will point to many different scriptures as support for their claims. | Things Paul & Luke (Acts 16:3) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy? 3) Titus was a test case in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1), but Timothy was to be a constant travel companion (Acts 16:3). Paul intends to visit the Jewish economy he were not circumcised cities where they are going intends to visit Jewish. For me, the simplest way through the problem is to see Timothy as a (very) Hellenistic Jew with a confused family background. Being that he had not been circumcised before and was beginning to go out and preach to others, I think that it may have helped him being that many people believed that they had to be circumcised. (Acts 16:3) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy? Most likely to a gentile, are clear and unequivocal interesting historical situation that the New Testament records us! 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." His dissertation was published as Jesus the Bridegroom by Pickwick Books in 2012. First we must know who Timothy was. 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. Rather it was because of the Jews that were in those places (16:3) that Paul had Timothy circumcised. 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. 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