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NASB | 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is keeping the commandments of God. |
Bible Question: I was born into a church that excommunicates parents for circumcizing their male children, based on Paul's injuction in Galatians chapter 5 from verse 2. My question is, what is the context in which Paul gave the injunction? Does it mean that Gentiles that are circumcized have really fallen away from the grace? |
Bible Answer: In addition to the post you've already received with good guidance, to your rather difficult situation, I would respond with the following: Acts 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, 2 and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Here we see Paul has Timothy, his beloved son in the faith circumcised so that he could win over some of the Jews to the christian faith. On the other hand, he strongly defends Titus' decision NOT to be circumcised. The overriding principle is stated in Col 3:11. Remember, Paul was willing, as much as possible without compromise of God's Will, "to be all things to all people so as to win some to the cause of Christ." Timothy was following the guidance of his mentor, Apostle Paul so as to continue this tradition of leading many to Christ. But Paul's main point according to Col 3:11 is that a person should NOT and CANNOT require another human being to be circumcised or NOT to be circumcised. It's the individual's choice, as demonstrated by Timothy and Titus, both of whom were acceptable to God. I hope this is clear and God bless. Rowdy |