Bible Question:
what is the difference between christians in antioch and christians in jerusalem |
Bible Answer: This is in supplement to Steve's and MJH's good responses. I think it's interesting to note that yes indeed Paul did encourage and succeeded in having Timothy circumcised so that he could be a more useful vessel in God's Hands to the Jewish nation after Paul's passing. You see, although Paul did leave the Jewish nation "with the dust off his feet," he really did care a great deal for his former heritage. Now the most interesting tidbit not here mentioned, at least on this thread of discussion is his other "son of the faith," Titus. With him, Paul defended rather aggressively his option NOT to be circumcised because his ministry was to the Gentiles as shown in... Gal 2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4 And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), 5 to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. So we see even after Paul's passing from this world, he provided for two different ministers, his sons of the faith to carry on his mission to 2 different groups of people, of "being all things to all people to win some" to Christ. Yeah, what a guy! Go with God in all things, Bill |