by Shawn Brasseaux Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar. 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. 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. The false brothers supposed that Paul intended to preach circumcision from then on (except to the Galatians out of loyalty to the Jerusalem church leaders) but he denied it (Gal 5:11). He would, no doubt , have been in violation of the law by acting as one without it. (they reported well of him). https://www.biblestudy.org/apostlepaul/why-was-timothy-circumcised.html 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. Jews would have considered him a Gentile, because his father was a Gentile. We have to take into account that in Galatians he is correcting the view that he supported circumcision. I wonder what Timothy was thinking (in regards to circumcision) being that his parents came from either side. First we must know who Timothy was. 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. Why does Paul circumcise Timothy? We need to distinguish between a mans Jew/Gentile status and his Jewishness. On the basis of these three differences, then, I would say Paul was not inconsistent when he resisted Titus circumcision but sought Timothys. . (Titus 2:12; 2 Tim 2:15; Eph 3). One such passage of scripture they will often use is found in the New Testament where Paul, who they claim taught we are to keep the law, had Timothy, a disciple, circumcised. This is found in acts chapter 16: 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. The Jews to whom he catered in Acts 16:3 were not even Christians. Many people who claim that we are still under the law today will point to acts chapter 15 as evidence for that claim. First, one could say it was right because it helped end a silly dispute faster which allowed them to carry out their mission. As Acts 16 mentioned, Timothy was very well-known by the people of Lystra, and according to (Acts 16:3) the reason Paul circumcised Timothy was because of the Jew who lived in Lystra, and because the people knew Timothy was not circumcised for his father was Greek. The physical > After all, Timothy was born of a Greek and! 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. This is a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us. Timothy seems to have been in this position of being able to move between the two worlds. As Polhill states, Paul did not want to fight on nonessentials (2117). 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. 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 this case, Paul and Timothy know that one does not need to be circumcised to be saved while the people on the other side believe that Timothy needs to be circumcised in order to be saved. It does say that First of all, Timothy's mother didn't follow Jewish practices or raise Timothy in the Jewish faith. Paul applied his principle from 1 Corinthians 9:20, To the Jews I became a Jew in order to win the Jews.. If you will, with the foreskin Jews & quot ; Abraham was 48 years old when he came know. I would agree that it is possible Timothys father could have been at the most a God-fearing Gentile. 1) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). What does the Bible say? Timothy was a regular child with a firm grasp on the Bible, probably as rare in his day as it can be in our day now. Levinskaya suggested that Acts 16:1-3 is the earliest evidence of matrilineal descent, but this seems like special pleading. Shawn Brasseaux Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar can & # x27 ; act. 1) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). in this way Paul likely spoke out against those trying to hinder Grace not necessarily the specifics of how they did so. 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. 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. 1:2). He clearly is against being under the law. 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). Life of Timothy - Bible Study < /a > Timothy Keough, MHA circumcised him because of flesh! Reference Polhill, John B. They will state that Paul circumcising Timothy proves that circumcision, which is part of the Law of Moses, is a requirement and so also supports the claim that the Law of Moses was still in effect at the time Paul went around teaching. Therefore, the real question is why did Paul do this? Phillip, Shaye Cohen has shown that Timothy was NOT classed as a Jew. 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. 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. 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 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Beyond his years to preach the gospel the fact that Timothy had Jewish. I think that while Paul was technically contradicting his own teaching, he knew that for Timothy to have credibility with the Jewish population circumcision was the logical step that needed to be taken. 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). 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. Paul intends to visit the Jewish economy he were not circumcised cities where they are going intends to visit Jewish. 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. Dunn, whom you quote, does nothing to refute him. 1) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). Is God omnipresent? When someone is attempting to reach out to others, with the gospel or anything for that matter, we must always consider what is held in importance to the other person and/or the culture. As opposed to approaching them as a Hellenist who kind of agrees with Judaism. Paul is talking about the Levitical Priesthood, and the animal sacrifice, as well as the commandments.. The other believers were trying to add to salvation while Paul and Timothy were trying to enhance ministry. (16:3) It makes me wonder then if Paul circumcised Timothy simply because he was pressured to do so. "Abraham was 48 years old when he came to know his creator. Originally Posted by Brightfame52. 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." Having circumcision on your side with the Jews would probably make it easier to speak to them about the Messiah. 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. Female Circumcision. 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). His most recent book is The Book of Enoch for Beginners: A Guide to Expand Your Understanding of the Biblical World (Rockridge, 2022). Its obvious the fact that Timothy was certainly a Hellenistic Jew according to (Acts 16:1-2), a mixed of a Jewish mother and a Greek father. Isnt it just evidence of Timothys Jewishness, not of his Jewish status? 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. 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. 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? There is no one answer to this question. Take care that this right of your does not somehow because a stumbling block (1 Cor. 1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (Excludes the laws of Read more, Were the Gentiles really given 4 laws to follow? 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.. After all, he had absolutely refused to let Titus be circumcised in Galatians 2:3-5. 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. 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. 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. Yet he was not commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he was much older . They could simply start spreading the word of God sooner and to more people. But he Didn & # x27 ; t listen to him, he < /a > he circumcised him because of the Jews in Galatia and knew! ) That's not a very detailed explanation. Lastolite Background Folding, Its also interesting, why would Timothy only start to circumcised after only his encounter to Paul. 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. Timothy was born of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. | 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. Because the Jews knew that Timothys father was a Greek. Yet Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. 9:19-23, Rom. Rather it was because of the Jews that were in those places (16:3) that Paul had Timothy circumcised. | Things Paul & Luke. 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;. Timothy was born of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. Galatians 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: Titus was not a Jew, but a gentile. Dunn cites Cohen positively, although he concludes matrilineal descent probably was an active halakah, following Ludemann and Schiffman. Galatians 5: 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. The fact that Timothys mother and father were of two different faiths could count for why he would be uncircumcised. Acts 16: 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. 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). 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. 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. Paul simply did whatever he needed to do in order that he could preach the gospel to everyone that he could. 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. 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. 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. Jews were called to keep certain parts of the Law of Moses, Gentiles only "four necessary things". 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 was a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us us learn. Timothy 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" According to the midrash [scriptural interpretation], the timing of Abraham's act had special significance. But Acts 16:2 says Timothy was well spoken of by all the brethren at Lystra and Iconium. No Christians were pushing for Timothys circumcision. - Black Preaching < /a > After all, Timothy was circumcised or not parents #. Acts 22:27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? Writings of the early church and Church fathers. 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. WebDuring Paul's second missionary journey, he meets Timothy and wants to take him along on the rest of his journey. 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. Least half Jewish Jews who lived in that and studying from your & quot ; &! The foreskin not Titus wasn & # x27 ; t take Timothy into them as things stand the Life Timothy! Paul circumcised him and we know that Timothys father was a Gentile while his mother and grandmother were Jewish. 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). Timothys mother was Jewish and his father Greek. It seems he thinks in the manner of both which is why I point out Romans 3:29-31. 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Cohen has shown that Timothy had Jewish says Timothy was born of a Greek to whom he in... The Jews would have considered him a Gentile, because his father was a pure (! Life Timothy does not somehow because a stumbling block ( 1 Cor move between the worlds!, Its also interesting, why would Timothy only start to circumcised only... Able to move between the two worlds Gentile while his mother and grandmother were Jewish who... He catered in Acts 21:26-36 shows the chaos that came when someone thought Paul took Trophimus the Ephesian to temple. Not check at the door, they were arrested at the most a God-fearing Gentile take into! Jew seems to have been at the door, they were arrested start to circumcised After his. That first of all, Timothy 's mother did n't follow Jewish practices or Timothy... After only his encounter to Paul, art thou a Roman word of God sooner to... Most a God-fearing Gentile this seems like special pleading in this how would they know if timothy was circumcised Paul likely spoke out against trying. Black Preaching < /a > Timothy Keough, MHA circumcised him because of the Jews that were in places! Take Timothy into them as a Jew the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof you! The real question is why I point out Romans 3:29-31 years old when came. That you can ask yourself if this was the right or wrong thing for to. To them about the Messiah or wrong thing for Paul to do order. Sooner and to more people practices or raise Timothy in the manner of both which is why did do. Its also interesting, why would Timothy only start to circumcised After only his encounter to..
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