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1
Principle vs. Pragmatism
Commentators unanimously explain that Paul's circumcision of Timothy was not a contradiction of his belief that salvation is by faith alone. Unlike Titus (a pure Gentile), Timothy was half-Jewish. Scholars note this was a pragmatic decision to remove a cultural stumbling block, allowing Timothy access to Jewish synagogues for ministry. It was a matter of missional effectiveness, not a requirement for salvation.
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Acts
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Commentaries
7
Albert Barnes
On Acts 16:3
18th Century
Theologian
Him would Paul have. This was an instance of Paul selecting young men of piety for the holy ministry. It shows:
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That he w…
AT Robertson
On Acts 16:3
Him would Paul have to go forth with him (τουτον ηθελησεν ο Παυλος συν αυτω εξελθειν). This one (note emphatic position) Paul want…
Charles Ellicott
On Acts 16:3
19th Century
Bishop
And took and circumcised him. The act seems at first inconsistent with Saint Paul’s conduct regarding Titus ([Reference Galatians …
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Acts 16:3
Why, after all the discussion in Jerusalem, would Paul circumcise Timothy?
Some commentators even question whether Paul actually did this. Bu…
John Calvin
On Acts 16:3
16th Century
Theologian
He circumcised him, because of the Jews. Luke plainly expresses that Timothy was not circumcised because it was necessary, or because the …
John Gill
On Acts 16:3
17th Century
Pastor
Him would Paul have to go forth with him Perceiving that he was a young man, that not only had the grace of God, but very…
Matthew Henry
On Acts 16:1–5
17th Century
Minister
The church may well expect much service from youthful ministers who set out in the same spirit as Timothy. But when men are unwilling to submit in …