StephenDiscipleofYHWH
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- Jul 11, 2018
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I'm suggesting that Paul saw that it did not matter either way for Timothy to be circumcised. That it was not a matter of faith and if the Jews wanted him to be circumcised it was not an issue of faith if timothy was circumcised(being a Jew). When we see a gentile trying to be constrained to be circumcised we see all the Apostles putting a stop to it in every case, since in every case mentioned they were trying to force it upon them as a matter of Salvation and faith rather than custom(as in the case of Timothy). Paul was not a deceiver, nor did I imply that.You're suggesting that Paul caved in cowardice? Are you suggesting that he was fake; putting on an outward show for the world; using another man as a pawn?
I reject any hint that Paul was a deceiver. Paul went to his death for the truth.
Is it more likely that as Abraham showed the outward sign of faith; only after the inward circumcision of the heart had already taken place?
Wherefore Timothy was ready for the outward sign, of what had already taken place within?
The same with is true Baptism. The outward sign means nothing; if there hasn't been a change within.
Therein lies the injustice with Titus. He was new to the faith. The non-believing Pharisees were pushing their tradition (which Yahshua rebuked) in an attempt to put the cart before the horse. Abraham came to faith before he was called to circumcision. I believe that he was over 100 when he finally took that step. These guys weren't even of the faith. They didn't even obey the Torah. They were pushing the Talmud.
We only have Circumcision of the Heart brother, since to be outwardly circumcised or to be uncircumcised means nothing(as I quoted earlier from Paul).
We see Timothy being compelled by the Jews as a Matter of Custom to be circumcised, not as a matter of faith.
Baptism is not simply an outward sign, it is the crucifixion of the inward man, it is the cleansing and sanctifying of a man also in baptism. It has a very specific and necessary purpose spiritually, rather than simply being some outward sign. It is the means by which we are born again in Christ by water.
Nowhere in the NT do find the Apostles giving a command for any gentile to be circumcised neither do we find any thing in the NT saying that an outward circumcision is in any way important(much to the contrary rather).
Those Jews were keeping the Law of Moses brother, that is exactly what we told(Acts 15:5).
God bless you brother
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