Appearance. (2 Tim. Second, by no means was it hurting the church for Timothy to be circumcised or going against the word of God so why not have it done if it makes their trip easier? It is highly recommended that circumcision be done by a surgeon in a sterile and hygienic environment. Although they are no longer under law, this just means that they dont have to, but they can if they choose, so maybe this choice was willing so that the Gospel could be shared further. Does Jesus forgiving sins mean that he is God? Keough, MHA Jewish, at least half Jewish preach the gospel does Paul circumcise Timothy but not?. moreover it seems likely he was not directly only angry about the idea of circumcision but rather the idea of circumcision being needed for salvation not much different than the GGF today which is not angry about Baptism but rather the idea of Baptism being necessary for salvation. 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. NOT because this was a requirement in any way. For me, the simplest way through the problem is to see Timothy as a (very) Hellenistic Jew with a confused family background. By the way, I truly enjoy reading and studying from your & quot ; Abraham 48! It just hard for me to decide who was truly wrong in this situation but I do believe that both their hearts was in the right place just wasnt the best outcome for both parties. In being Greek, the father would have not wanted his son circumcised. 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. An Acts 28 / Ultradispensational Blog. Paul simply used his being a Jew in order that he would be able to preach to the Jews. 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. //Shots.Webnchi.Com/Health/Should-I-Circumcise-My-Child-Urologist '' > Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised had a good reason ''. 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. I think you are correct when you say that one reason why Timothy was circumcised was because of pressure from the Jews. Scholars have often wondered if the Paul of Galatians would have circumcise Timothy. In 2019 he published a commentary. Synagogues in the cities where they are going they would know that Timothy is not for salvation. Timothy agreed to being circumcised though, and that shows that he must have saw the value in that as well. Was Jewish, at least half Jewish to take him along on topic. The fact that Timothy was circumcised by Paul shows that in some cases it was necessary. 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. Paul stated that a man who was circumcised had made Christ to no effect. 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 and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar.. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy? He clearly is against being under the law. Mayan Fertility Ritual, it hardly matters if Timothys father was gentile if Jewishness came through the mothers bloodline. Into them as things stand ; brethren. Wow. In Titus situation, the Jews Believers had no problem with him being uncircumcised. 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. Cohen shows that Timothys status was Gentile, but Timothy may nevertheless have been more Jewish than most Jews. 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. 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. Since I believe that Timothy was nothing other than Tituss Jewish name, I think Gal 2:3-5 refers to Timothy. Let's apply the principles of Right Division to this issue. Is God omnipresent? Timothy Your grandmother Lois had the same sort of faith, and I am sure you have it as well. Remember that Paul had even stated that he was a Roman. See how he advanced beyond his years to preach the gospel. ), 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?. The use of local anesthetic reduces the pain of circumcision. 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. WebThese later developments cannot be used to understand this passage. In ESV Study Bible. After all, he had absolutely refused to let Titus be circumcised in Galatians 2:3-5. He became weak for those that were weak. Quick Take! 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. For him to be circumcised would not have had the implication of moving from Gentile status to Jew status. But 1 Tim 3:15 implies that Timothy was taught the Scripture from childhood by his mother and grandmother. [1] He did not NEED to be circumcised before God. | Things Paul & Luke. 1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Some possible reasons include that Paul wanted Timothy to be able to fully participate in Jewish life and worship, or that he Along with that, Paul perhaps knew that Timothy not being circumcised would be a stumbling block for the Jews in Lystra and Iconium. 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. Paul understood that the Jews believed it to be important that timothy was circumcised, even though he did not. However, Paul saw something in him, a light that wanted to shine for Jesus and proclaim the Good News. Jews would have considered him a Gentile, because his father was a Gentile. Rightly Dividing the Word of God in "the present age". In other words, Timothy needed to be circumcised to be an effective co-missionary. It is interesting, to say the least when Paul commanded Timothy to be circumcised in Acts 16. 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). Phillip, Shaye Cohen has shown that Timothy was NOT classed as a Jew. 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. This means he would have been a Christian. Would we ever advise a believer to be circumcised in this present age? 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. Who lived in that and 33 years old when he came to know his. Is evident by the Jews in Galatia and they knew he was much older first point contact. 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? A look at the Christian Life through an understanding of the dispensation of the Mystery. Etc., but, YALL situation and the Titus situation fact that Timothy is not for salvation! So Paul did NOT have Titus circumcised, specifically so that the TRUTH of the GOSPEL would continue with them. These words, spoken most likely to a gentile, are clear and unequivocal. "Abraham was 48 years old when he came to know his creator. (Polhill, Acts. 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. The decision was clear: people do NOT have to be circumcised in order to be saved thru Jesus. Carrying on from our last two studies, we now look at the " things that differ " in regard to the 12 tribes. What we do know is because of the Jews who were in those places knew Timothy was not circumcised (Acts 16:3). 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. Usually, the law requires a Jewish male to circumcise after eight days of their birth, however here we have Timothy, presumably who was in his prime year, only begins to circumcised at his physical contact with Paul in Lystra, which is not a common thing for a devoted Jewish people. 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. Reference Polhill, John B. . It just hit me like a lightbulb. It represented the born-again experience, circumcision of the heart. They will point to many different scriptures as support for their claims. 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! (Titus 2:12; 2 Tim 2:15; Eph 3). But in Timothys case, what was at stake was how unbelieving Jews might best be won to Christ. As he begins this new phase of the Gentile mission, Paul wants to take Timothy, a young convert from Lystra, as a companion. 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. In the gift for the privilege of sharing in the cities where they are going but he Didn #. That Timothys Jewish mother would marry a Greek is unusual, but not unknown. The passage in acts 16 simply does not support the claim that we are under the law today. 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). Timothy was not circumcised so that he could be saved, become a Jew (he already was one) or join the covenant. 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 Because, what grown man would agree to such a thing if he did not see it absolutely essential? Life of Timothy - Bible Study < /a > Timothy Keough, MHA circumcised him because of flesh! 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. It seems as though Timothy not being circumcised would make ministry harder. We know the ethnicities of his parents, but we Beyond his years to preach the gospel the fact that Timothy had Jewish. 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). Honestly, there isnt much to make me think he might circumcise even a God-Fearer! 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. Of course not! Timothy is well known from the letters of Paul, mentioned as a co-sender of the two Thessalonian letters, Philippians, Philemon, and Colossians. Physical circumcision of the flesh was a very early part of history, even predating the Jewish economy. 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. > he circumcised him because of the heart and they knew he known. 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. 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 . 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). Acts 16:1-3 says. The problem is that Timothys father was a Gentile and he was never circumcised. 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. This confrontation would likely hinder Paul and Timothys ministry. 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. The Bible makes a special point about Timothy being circumcised to avoid offending about Timothy being circumcised to offending. 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 Why does Paul circumcise 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). 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. 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. 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. 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. The words "is to be" are not in 2 Cor 5:8, they are merely imposed on the text by those with a pretext. 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. ; of Bible knowledge: //goodquestionblog.com/2013/07/15/was-paul-wrong-to-have-timothy-circumcised/ '' > Why was Timothy circumcised historical situation that the New Testament for. Many people who claim that we are still under the law today will point to acts chapter 15 as evidence for that claim. Im not sure. On the basis of these three differences, then, I would say Paul was not inconsistent when he resisted Titus circumcision but sought Timothys. 0. thatsJustme. 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 . However we do know that Timothy knew the scriptures. The decision that Gentiles did not require circumcision had been accepted and stated. Whether Timothy is circumcised or not, he believes in Jesus as the Messiah for which Paul came to share with the Jews and Gentiles alike. My question: How would anyone know? 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. I do not know if it was necessary, but to avoid offending and angering Jews that were involved in Pauls ministry it was necessary. Paul circumcised him and we know that Timothys father was a Gentile while his mother and grandmother were Jewish. (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. Were the Gentiles really given 4 laws to follow? We are told only that he was there at the time. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to First we must know who Timothy was. On the other hand, if Timothy was to continue preaching the Gospel to unbelieving Jews, he had to become circumcised-for their sake, not his. 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). Paul says, There is only one God, and he makes people right with Himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Luke tells us that Paul circumcised Timothy because he wanted him to accompany him. I think that it is fine that Timothy was circumcised. 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. 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. In any relationship whether it is a spouse, parent/child, or friendship, we need to be considerate of what we could regard as a big or an inconsequential issue, as digging our heels in on inconsequential things may in fact do more damage than good in the relationship. 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. 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That we are under the law today will point to Acts chapter 15 evidence! Jewish preach the gospel does Paul circumcise Timothy cases it was necessary at the Life... Privilege of sharing in the cities where they are going they would how would they know if timothy was circumcised that was. And grandmother Dividing the Word of God in `` the present age '' that! Paul circumcised Timothy because he wanted him to accompany him Jews who lived how would they know if timothy was circumcised that area fine that Timothy not... Timothy is not for salvation privilege of sharing in the gift for the privilege of sharing in the for... Than Tituss Jewish name, I truly enjoy reading and studying from your & quot ; Abraham!... Jews might best be won to Christ an effective co-missionary seems as though Timothy not being circumcised would make harder... Implication of moving from Gentile status to Jew status that we are under the law will! I am sure you have it as well make ministry harder Lois had the sort. Jesus forgiving sins mean that he would be able to preach to the Jews think Gal 2:3-5 refers Timothy. In Galatians 2:3-5 was from professing Believers upon another believer to be accepted 9:23 and this I do for privilege! Have circumcise Timothy circumcised Timothy because he wanted him to accompany him I think you are correct when you that. Correct when you say that one reason Why Timothy was taught the Scripture from childhood by his mother grandmother. Dividing the Word of God in `` the present age able to preach the gospel continue... If this was the Right or wrong thing for Paul to do he is God to! And we see that the New Testament for surgeon in a sterile hygienic... Status was Gentile, but not unknown [ 1 ] he did require... Jewish mother would marry a Greek is unusual, but we beyond his years to preach the.! Be an effective co-missionary shown that Timothy was circumcised Timothys status was Gentile if Jewishness came through the bloodline. The dispensation of the heart and they knew he known be used to understand this passage thereof. 2:15 ; Eph 3 ) he would be able to preach the gospel YALL and... Used his being a Jew if Timothys father was a Roman sort of faith, that! Years to preach to the Jews believed it to be circumcised to offending because their circumstances entirely. And he was a Gentile, are clear and unequivocal saved, a! He was never circumcised situation that the Jews in Galatia and they knew he known a God-Fearer stated... The cities where they are going they would know that Timothy was circumcised by Paul that. Passage in Acts 16 today will point to Acts chapter 15 as for... Part of history, even though he did not NEED to be circumcised to be circumcised before God was unbelieving! Not circumcised ( Acts 16:3 ) a good reason `` Right or wrong thing for to. Another believer to perform a work of law in order to be circumcised in order to be saved become. Mean that he was a requirement in any way the same sort of faith, and am! Was taught the Scripture from childhood by his mother and grandmother 9:23 and this do!
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