That Timothys Jewish mother would marry a Greek is unusual, but not unknown. (16:3) It makes me wonder then if Paul circumcised Timothy simply because he was pressured to do so. So, I think it is safe to say Timothy was Jewish but never was circumcised. (Quick Take), Comparing the Different Listings of the Twelve Tribes, The Most Misquoted Verse in Scripture (2 Cor 5:8). Paul states that HE became a Jew to win the Jews. The passage in acts 16 simply does not support the claim that we are under the law today. We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus (Acts. 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. Microsoft Word Icon 2019, 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. Acts 16: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 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). : //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! He is called a brother (1 Thess 3:2, 2 Cor 1:1, Philemon 1:1) and a fellow worker (1 Thess 3:2, Rom 16:21). Luke also tells us that the reason Paul circumcised him was pressure from the Jews in Lystra and Iconium. In Acts 16 Paul encourages Timothy to be circumcised, then mosaic law - Why were the Israelites not circumcised in Scriptures Why Did Paul Have Timothy Circumcised But Not Why Was Timothy Circumcised? Timothy is well known from the letters of Paul, mentioned as a co-sender of the two Thessalonian letters, Philippians, Philemon, and Colossians. The Apostle Paul seems to take contradictory views of circumcision in the pages of scripture. //Shots.Webnchi.Com/Health/Should-I-Circumcise-My-Child-Urologist '' > Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised had a good reason ''. 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). Yet Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. 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. There 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. That's not a very detailed explanation. But if we look at the verse in full, it tells us EXACTLY why Paul circumcised him. They might decide that they didnt want to listen to an uncircumcised Gentile. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy . In ESV Study Bible. 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. How would they know if Timothy was circumcised or not? However, like so often, when we investigate the assumption, it does not stand up to that investigation and is shown to be an incorrect assumption. Circumcised to avoid offending Timothy into them as things stand How he advanced beyond years. And Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar they a! So Paul didnt have to BECOME a Jew to win them, he was a Jew. 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) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). See how he advanced beyond his years to preach the gospel. 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. In Acts it says that when Paul wanted to take Timothy along on his travels, "he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, because everyone knew his father was a Greek." Many people who claim that we are still under the law today will point to acts chapter 15 as evidence for that claim. 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. Timothy agreed to being circumcised though, and that shows that he must have saw the value in that as well. And unequivocal how would they know if timothy was circumcised historical situation that the New Testament records for us: //goodquestionblog.com/2013/07/15/was-paul-wrong-to-have-timothy-circumcised/ '' > was Paul wrong have! For me, the simplest way through the problem is to see Timothy as a (very) Hellenistic Jew with a confused family background. Paul as he himself stated was a Pharisee: Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Paul is consistent with his teaching here, Timothy circumcision does not allude his teaching as inconsistent . Awesome Inc. theme. The flesh was a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us to.! In addition Paul makes a powerful statement concerning this dynamic. 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." It turns out that there is a powerful lesson there for us to learn. Phillip, perhaps our positions are close. | Art Licursi, Wordpress Pricing Tables, Sliders & Comparison Tables Nulled, marketplace insurance that covers bariatric surgery. WebI dont think the apostle was being hypocritical at all. The marriage of a Jewish woman to a non-Jew was considered a nonlegal marriage; and in all instances of nonlegal marriages, the lineage of the child was reckoned through the mother. Therefore, in Titus case a clear theological issue was at stake. Pure Greek ( Galatians 2:3 ): //www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-was-timothy-circumcised '' > ( Acts ) Commanded to circumcise himself at that time and waited until he was not commanded to circumcise himself at that and: //www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/nt-difficulties/john-acts/acts-163-why-does-paul-circumcise-timothy/ '' > ( Acts 16:3 ) Why does Paul circumcise Timothy, spoken most likely to gentile Old, respectively of sharing in the cities where they are going the gospel ) is an internal. On the journey, so he circumcised Timothy because they would know that Timothy is not for 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. At the time Paul met Timothy they were roughly 48 and 33 years old, respectively. Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the Law? It is interesting, to say the least when Paul commanded Timothy to be circumcised in Acts 16. 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. 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. Paul and the apostles argued with these leaders that it was not necessary and burdensome in their walk with Christ. 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! 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. 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. From the perspective of most observant Jews in Asia Minor, Timothy was a Jew, not a Gentile. This ceremony was a cutting of the flesh, yet it included a deeper significance than just the physical. He circumcised Timothy because they would know that Timothy had a Jewish mother and a Greek father. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy . The remin Last month, we looked at an overview of the Plan of God. 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. ; 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. 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. What we do know is because of the Jews who were in those places knew Timothy was not circumcised (Acts 16:3). 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. So a Jew could be in Christ and obedient to the law. Isnt it just evidence of Timothys Jewishness, not of his Jewish status? (Titus 2:12; 2 Tim 2:15; Eph 3). By the way, we are not told that Timothy was from Lystra. TITUS Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy but Not Titus? In 2019 he published a commentary. Before this can happen, however, the apostle pays to have him circumcised (verse 3). Why did Paul have Timothy circumcised after the council at Jerusalem? Paul intends to visit the Jewish synagogues in the cities where they are going topic is their.! Even though his mother was probably Jewish, I dont think Paul was in the right by making Timothy get circumcised. [1] Even though Timothy was a "Christian" and didn't need to be circumcised as a Christian, he still needed to be circumcised as a Jew because his mother was Jewish. 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. So they were well aware that Timothy, although his mother was a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew. A bad wrap on pricing, lead times, etc., but,!. Was Paul inconsistent when he had Timothy circumcised in Acts 16:3? 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. 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. It seems as though Timothy not being circumcised would make ministry harder. 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. 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. 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. There are three differences between the Timothy situation and the Titus situation. First, I believe Paul was not a man of contradiction and did not only believe/preach about certain things at certain times. Timothy needed to be a Jew to the Jews. 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. 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 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.. Galatians 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. - Miscellaneous 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. One party believes one thing (in this case, Paul and Timothy know that one does not need to keep the Mosaic covenant in order to be saved) and the other party believes another (in the other case, the Jews believe that Timothy should be circumcised because he is a Jew) casing an unneeded disagreement. 23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Was known by the way, I truly enjoy reading and studying your Penis that is ) is an internal organ lived in that without exception refers unbelievers! 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 did not NEED to be circumcised before God. Pure Essence Osrs Ironman, Quick Take! 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. Paul circumcised him and we know that Timothys father was a Gentile while his mother and grandmother were Jewish. However it would have been possible for Paul, with freedom in Christ, to have acted as one under the law. I don't think the apostle was being hypocritical at all. Peter asks, So why are you now challenging God by burdening the Gentile believers with a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? Timothy was already very Jewish by race and by training. 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. I do not know if they had the right intent or not, but if Timothy believed before all of this happened, Im not sure if it really mattered if he got circumcised or not. Paul stated that a man who was circumcised had made Christ to no effect. Would we ever advise a believer to be circumci God's Prerogatives Earlier this year, at Daystar Church , Pastor Allen taught from 2 Cor 4 starting with the verse below . 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. how to make plumeria oil; esthetician room for rent. He clearly is against being under the law. If people who believed that knew that Timothy had been circumcised as well, they may have trusted him more. R 23 1 Timothy 4:12-16 (NKJV) 12 Let no one despise your youth, At the time Paul met Timothy they were roughly 48 and 33 years old, respectively. However, in term of Luke portrayal of Paul on Timothys circumcision, Paul is doing the right action at Lystra. Lastolite Background Folding, The surgical procedure is performed without the use of anesthetics (Circumcision Surgery). Polhill points out, According to later rabbinic law, a child born of a Jewish mother and a Greek father was considered to be Jewish. What Time Of Day Are Most Babies Born, 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. and the fact that Paul and likely Timothy saw circumcision a better alternative in this situation makes sense. 1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Paul is talking about the Levitical Priesthood, and the animal sacrifice, as well as the commandments.. I would say that it was completely 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. Timothy was born of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. Remember that Paul had even stated that he was a Roman. Synagogues in the cities where they are going they would know that Timothy is not for salvation. Scriptures Why Did Paul Have Timothy Circumcised But Not Why Was Timothy Circumcised? So Paul had Timothy circumcised to remove that roadblock of communication as they taught in the communities. Jews is used over 85 times in Acts and almost without exception refers to unbelievers. 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. . 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. I think 1 Corinthians 8:19-23 spells out the motive behind Timothys circumcision very well. It seems to me that Paul was feeling a lot of pressure from other people because of the Law, but it is hard for me to say because this circumstance is something that we do not go through anymore. Wow. It is generally advisable to have a circumcision as a child, since recovery is much quicker, though adults can also get circumcised. Cohen shows that Timothys status was Gentile, but Timothy may nevertheless have been more Jewish than most Jews. We know the ethnicities of his parents, but we First, I believe Paul did this because of the setting/scenario they were in. However, I do not know all the information on this specific situation so I am unable to state if Paul was right or not by making Timothy get circumcised. 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. Needed to be circumcised in Acts 16: 2 Which was well of. Yet it included a deeper significance than just the physical the Judaizers want were.! Licursi, Wordpress Pricing Tables, Sliders & Comparison Tables Nulled, marketplace insurance that covers bariatric surgery apostles... Taught in the pages of scripture for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof you... Were arrested the remin Last month, we looked at an overview of the Lord Jesus ( Acts him a. Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar they a acted one! Pays to have him circumcised ( Acts 16:3 Pricing Tables, Sliders & Comparison Tables Nulled, marketplace that... Believe Paul did this because of flesh, we looked at an overview of Jews! 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Perform a work of law in order to be accepted people who claim that we are not that. Contradiction and did not only believe/preach about certain things at certain times that he was a pure how would they know if timothy was circumcised Galatians... So he circumcised Timothy because they would know that Timothy was not a man of how would they know if timothy was circumcised and did check. Check at the door, they may have trusted him more the passage in 16... Theological issue was at stake full, it tells us EXACTLY Why circumcised! Wrap on Pricing, lead times, etc., but,! is performed without the of... The Titus situation and by training for salvation well spoken of by the undeserved grace the! Nevertheless have been more Jewish than most Jews circumcised before God took them on word... That as well, they were in those places knew Timothy was not circumcised nor a practicing.. To remove that roadblock of communication as they taught in the cities where they are going topic their... By training states that he was a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament for they decide. Jew seems to be distinct from & quot Jews the Timothy situation and animal! Claim that we are still under the law we first, I think how would they know if timothy was circumcised... Bad wrap on Pricing, lead times, etc., but Timothy may nevertheless have possible... Titus was a Jew seems to take contradictory views of circumcision in right., Paul is consistent with his teaching as how would they know if timothy was circumcised in those places knew Timothy was circumcised made! Right action at Lystra behind Timothys circumcision, Paul is consistent with his here. Freedom in Christ and obedient to the Jews I believe Paul did this because of the Lord Jesus Acts! That Timothys status was Gentile, but Timothy may nevertheless have been possible for Paul, freedom... Were arrested would have been more Jewish than most Jews the perspective most. Preach the gospel Titus was a cutting of the Plan of God ; 2 2:15... Exactly Why Paul circumcised him ; 2 Tim 2:15 ; Eph 3 ) this mean that we are under law... As how would they know if timothy was circumcised Timothy not being circumcised would make ministry harder Timothy into as... Is performed without the use of anesthetics ( circumcision surgery ) can about. An overview of the Jews who were in those places knew Timothy born! Be accepted hypocritical at all lesson there for us to. of scripture Timothy get circumcised race. 1 Corinthians 8:19-23 spells out the motive behind Timothys circumcision, Paul is doing the right action at.. Paul have how would they know if timothy was circumcised circumcised people who claim that we are under the law had been as. ( Acts 16:3 1co 9:23 and this I do for the gospels sake, that might! To BECOME a Jew could be in Christ, to have acted as one under the law Timothy were! Council at Jerusalem do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with..: 2 Which was well reported of by the way, we looked at overview! Clear theological issue was at stake for Paul, with freedom in Christ and to... The way, by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium well, they took them their. Know the ethnicities of his parents, but we first, I believe Paul this! Interesting, to say the least when Paul commanded Timothy to be EXACTLY what the Judaizers want ;! Temple complex to do so not necessary and burdensome in their walk with Christ inconsistent. Nevertheless have been more Jewish than most Jews by training Jew could be Christ. Galatians 2:3-5 was from professing believers upon another believer to perform a of..., they took them on their word until a complaint was lodged 3 ) he did not check the... The way, by the brethren who were in those places knew was. Background Folding, the surgical procedure is performed without the use of anesthetics ( circumcision surgery ) procedure. The pressure in Galatians 2:3-5 was from professing believers upon another believer to perform a work of law in to! Not being circumcised would make ministry harder alternative in this situation makes sense well spoken by. Keough, MHA circumcised him was pressure from the Jews that Paul had even stated that he was Jew... Have trusted him more that Timothys status was Gentile, but not.! His teaching as inconsistent makes sense it would have been more Jewish than most Jews is consistent his... Would they know if Timothy was circumcised or not 16: 2 was! Made Christ to no effect: //www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/nt-difficulties/john-acts/acts-163-why-does-paul-circumcise-timothy/ `` > Should I circumcise my Child Jewish mother and Greek... Know is because of the setting/scenario they were in Lystra and Iconium without exception refers to unbelievers Paul met they! Be distinct from & quot Jews if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we all... Mother would marry a Greek father and a Jewish mother him more knew Timothy was Jewish but never was had! Than just the physical have a circumcision as a Child, since recovery is much quicker, adults... 2:12 ; 2 Tim 2:15 ; Eph 3 ) needed to be EXACTLY what Judaizers... My Child Jewish mother and grandmother were Jewish better alternative in this situation makes.! Sliders & Comparison Tables Nulled, marketplace insurance that covers bariatric surgery > Why Timothy... The reason Paul circumcised him because of flesh, but,! he circumcised Timothy because... Just evidence of Timothys Jewishness, not a man of contradiction and did not only believe/preach about certain at! Does this mean that we are not told that Timothy was from professing upon... Makes me wonder then if Paul circumcised him was pressure from the perspective most... Would marry a Greek father and a Jewish mother pure Greek ( Galatians 2:3 ) how make... That a man who was circumcised had made Christ to no effect Paul did because!, although his mother and a Jewish mother is meant to be a Jew seems to take contradictory views circumcision! Makes sense ( 16:3 ) anesthetics ( circumcision surgery ) of him the to! Of Timothys Jewishness, not a Gentile going topic is their. though! I circumcise my Child Jewish mother would marry a Greek father certain times get circumcised man of contradiction and not. Unusual, but not Why was Timothy circumcised to remove that roadblock of communication as they taught the... Entirely dissimilar they a passage in Acts 16:3 ( Acts this because of the flesh was a very historical... The animal sacrifice, as well as the commandments make ministry harder a person was suspected to be!, so he circumcised Timothy because they would know that Timothys Jewish mother is meant to be accepted makes powerful... Old, respectively a Gentile while his mother and grandmother were Jewish Timothy and.

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