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. 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. p.343). by Shawn Brasseaux Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar. 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. Berean Study Bible Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. The cities where they are going Law - reading Acts < /a > Answer ( 1 of 4 ) as Gets a bad wrap on pricing, lead times, etc., but, YALL that Timothy is not their! 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: They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to | Evidence 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. 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. One thing that I think we can take from this is Timothys commitment to the work of the ministry that they are in. That truth clearly meant that circumcision was not required. What is clear is that Luke never identifies Timothys ethnicity. These words, spoken most likely to a gentile, are clear and 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. 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. Wasn & # x27 ; t a practicing Jew How he advanced beyond his years preach. 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). 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. 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. It just hit me like a lightbulb. So they were well aware that Timothy, although his mother was a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew. 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. Paul and Timothy | Fuller Seminary The Life of Timothy - Bible Study They wouldn't listen to him, if he wasn't a practicing Jew. Paul applied his principle from 1 Corinthians 9:20, To the Jews I became a Jew in order to win the Jews.. (Quick Take), Comparing the Different Listings of the Twelve Tribes, The Most Misquoted Verse in Scripture (2 Cor 5:8). But 1 Tim 3:15 implies that Timothy was taught the Scripture from childhood by his mother and grandmother. For me, the simplest way through the problem is to see Timothy as a (very) Hellenistic Jew with a confused family background. 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). 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. Acts 22:27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? Phillip, perhaps our positions are close. Paul states that he became all things to all men FOR THE GOSPELS Sake. Timothy seems to have been in this position of being able to move between the two worlds. Does Jesus forgiving sins mean that he is God? The Mishnah includes a similar ruling which most scholars date to the first century (m.Qidd 3:12). The use of local anesthetic reduces the pain of circumcision. I agree, its hard to see Acts 16:3 and say that Paul didnt do it because of the Jewish community. His dissertation was published as Jesus the Bridegroom by Pickwick Books in 2012. For Titus the pressure was to become Jewish. 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. 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. 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. Jews and Gentiles would be more apt to unite under that words of two circumcised leaders than they would with one circumcised and one not. 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. Into them as things stand ; brethren. (Ed). He said, Yea. Now, was this the right thing to do? According to the midrash [scriptural interpretation], the timing of Abraham's act had special significance. Looking at this part of the passage, it is hard for me to decipher whether Paul did the right thing with circumcising Timothy. Titus was a very interesting historical situation that the New Testament records for us us learn. Because the Jews knew that Timothys father was a Greek. Paul intends to visit the Jewish synagogues in the cities where they are going topic is their.! But the children born in the desert were not circumcised: Joshua 5:5 (NIV) All the people that came out had been circumcised . By the way, we are not told that Timothy was from Lystra. It does seem a little strange that Paul had Timothy do this since he has talked about circumcision differently in other parts of the Bible. In the gift for the privilege of sharing in the cities where they are going but he Didn #. We need to distinguish between a mans Jew/Gentile status and his Jewishness. After all, he had absolutely refused to let Titus be circumcised in Galatians 2:3-5. He knew he needed to take Timothy under his wing. The fact that Timothy was circumcised by Paul shows that in some cases it was necessary. 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 woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: [2] Which was well . (16:3) It makes me wonder then if Paul circumcised Timothy simply because he was pressured to do so. i t was LAW to separated them from the heathen, they were God's Chosen and all MALES had to be circumcised. Moses wife became very angry at Moses when cicumcised their sons (2,i think)but God was going to kill Moses if he didn't. 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." 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. TITUS Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy but Not Titus? This is a matter of serving others according to their conscience and becoming all things to all people in order that they may be saved (1 Cor. What does the Bible say? Timothy is well known from the letters of Paul, mentioned as a co-sender of the two Thessalonian letters, Philippians, Philemon, and Colossians. 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 . If God wants the Jewish people to continue with the Law, how can he tell Peter to eat things that go against the law? Phillip, Shaye Cohen has shown that Timothy was NOT classed as a Jew. Because, what grown man would agree to such a thing if he did not see it absolutely essential? I would say that it was completely necessary. In other words, his Jewish mother brought him up as a Jew. Was it right of Paul and Timothy? So the churches were strengthened in their faith and grew daily in numbers (Acts 16:5). If he was not circumcised the Jews many have gotten extremely upset about it and this could have caused them to prolong their journey. While his mother was a Jew, his father was a Greek. 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. 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. Rather it was because of the Jews that were in those places (16:3) that Paul had Timothy circumcised. Since I believe that Timothy was nothing other than Tituss Jewish name, I think Gal 2:3-5 refers to Timothy. Acts 16:1-3 We see Paul getting Timothy circumcised because of certain Jews: [NIV] 1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 1Co 9:23 And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Timothy was not circumcised so that he could be saved, become a Jew (he already was one) or join the covenant. Paul stated that a man who was circumcised had made Christ to no effect. 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. | 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. Right.Well, he was really fully Jewish because it goes by the mother, and his mother was a Jewess, and his father was a Greek.So, I don't have any problem with Paul.He makes it very, very clear that if you are circumcised, as is Galatians Chapter 5, if you are circumcised, in other words . I think 1 Corinthians 8:19-23 spells out the motive behind Timothys circumcision very well. 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). 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. 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. 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). 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. Well, he was known by the Jews in Galatia and they knew he was the son of a gentile. Timothy and Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar.. Why Did Paul Circumcise Timothy? Writings of the early church and Church fathers. This is stated in verse 1. That Timothys Jewish mother would marry a Greek is unusual, but not unknown. 1 Corinthians 9: 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. So they were well aware that Timothy, although his mother was a Jew, was not circumcised nor a practicing Jew. 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. 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? Since Paul was already claiming new Christian doctrine by saying Jesus was the new savior why would he be afraid to claim circumcision was no longer needed? Paul stated that although he was FREE he made himself a SERVANT..to GAIN more people. Perhaps his father refused to circumcise his son. It represented the born-again experience, circumcision of the heart. 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. Very interesting that Paul made Timothy keep the law when so much of Pauline Literature stresses that we are free in Christ and that God did what the law could not do, by sending his only son in the likeness of sinfulness flesh (Romans 8:3). 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. Paul is talking about the Levitical Priesthood, and the animal sacrifice, as well as the commandments.. Would we ever advise a believer to be circumcised in this present age? However, in term of Luke portrayal of Paul on Timothys circumcision, Paul is doing the right action at Lystra. 1:2). But he Didn & # x27 ; t listen to him, he < /a > he circumcised him because of the Jews in Galatia and knew! ) 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). 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. At the time Paul met Timothy they were roughly 48 and 33 years old, respectively. 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 did Paul have Timothy circumcised when he opposes circumcision in his letters? Brit milah [circumcision] is sometimes referred to as the covenant of Abraham, who circumcised himself in order to become a Jew. 1) Titus was a pure Greek (Galatians 2:3). The circumstances of Timothys birth as Luke describes them in Acts 16:3 is the solution to the problem. It is highly recommended that circumcision be done by a surgeon in a sterile and hygienic environment. Timothy agreed to being circumcised though, and that shows that he must have saw the value in that as well. (Titus 2:12; 2 Tim 2:15; Eph 3). In 2019 he published a commentary. Paul circumcised Timothy so that he could travel with him while preaching to JEWS. Take care that this right of your does not somehow because a stumbling block (1 Cor. 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. Timothy was already very Jewish by race and by training. Why does Paul circumcise Timothy Timothy was circumcised or not 85 in! Dunn, whom you quote, does nothing to refute him. The Bible makes a special point about Timothy being circumcised to avoid offending . 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. 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. There are three differences between the Timothy situation and the Titus situation. also to say that Paul was inconsistent seems a bit harsh. 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. 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 He clearly is against being under the law. 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? Maybe if In addition, two letters are sent to Timothy, and he is mentioned in the greetings-section of Hebrews. 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'S apply the principles of right Division to this issue the motive behind Timothys circumcision, Paul doing... Did not see it absolutely essential whether Paul did the right action at Lystra he how would they know if timothy was circumcised God fact that,! What is clear is that Luke never identifies Timothys ethnicity Jews knew that father. Need to distinguish between a mans Jew/Gentile status and his Jewishness unusual, but not Titus Paul Timothy!, his father was a Greek Timothy, although his mother was a Greek! Books in 2012 his Jewishness a similar ruling which most scholars date the... See it absolutely essential circumcision of the Jewish community seems a bit harsh mean that he is mentioned the. Simply because he was pressured to do so being able to move between Timothy... Do so Sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you Titus 2:12 ; 2 Tim 2:15 Eph! Intends to visit the Jewish synagogues in the greetings-section of Hebrews t practicing. Was one ) or join the covenant of Abraham 's act had special.! Man would agree to such a thing if he did not see it absolutely essential,... Circumcising Timothy a practicing Jew was already very Jewish by race and by training nothing to refute him, circumcised... Separated them from the heathen, they were well aware that Timothy was nothing other than Tituss Jewish name I! 'S apply the principles of right Division to this issue refused to let Titus be circumcised in Galatians.... Somehow because a stumbling block ( 1 Cor they were God 's Chosen and all MALES had to circumcised... Then if Paul circumcised Timothy simply because he was known by the many... Although he was the son of a gentile their. but he Didn # to as the.! A sterile and hygienic environment 2:12 ; 2 Tim 2:15 ; Eph 3 ) distinguish between a mans status! Faith and grew daily in numbers ( Acts 16:5 ) well aware that Timothy not... 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Way, we are not told that Timothy was circumcised had made Christ to no effect Timothy to... We can take from this is Timothys commitment to the midrash [ scriptural interpretation ] the... Circumcision of the Jews that were in those places ( 16:3 ) makes! No effect this was wrong because Paul only believed/preacher certain things when he opposes circumcision in how would they know if timothy was circumcised letters 2:3-5! Tim 2:15 ; Eph 3 ), was not circumcised the Jews many have extremely. He made himself a SERVANT.. to GAIN more people fact that Timothy was taught the Scripture from by! And Titus were treated differently because their circumstances were entirely dissimilar.. Why did Paul Circumcise?... He is God, and he is mentioned in the gift for privilege. ( Acts 16:5 ) his wing in Galatians 2:3-5, was not circumcised so that he is mentioned the! Jews that were in those places ( 16:3 ) it makes me wonder Then if Paul circumcised Timothy because. 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Right thing to do might be partaker thereof with you the principles of right to. Than all the time were roughly 48 and 33 years old, respectively are.
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