Why did Paul circumcise Timothy?(Acts 16:1-3) It wasn’t to insure his salvation. Paul made that very clear in other statements he made throughout the New Testament. I think Paul was laying down a very important principle for the leaders in the church. Paul’s mode of evangelism was to reach out to the Jews in a new area and then preach to the gentiles. The Romans would have no concern if the preacher and his support staff were circumcised or not. But that would be a big issues for the Jews. So rather than go into a situation with a known conflict of interest Paul removed that which would become an obstacle to the message of grace. That is a valuable lesson for leaders and evangelist today. There are some American unbelievers who would have a problem with a smoking, drinking, gambling preacher. When we find some cultural objection to a freedom we have in Christ and we see that it could hinder the progress of the Gospel we should consider which if of greater value; the exercise of our freedom or the opportunity to plant the seed of faith? Paul’s example tells us that the opportunity to plant the seeds of faith always takes precedent.
Stuart
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