Circumcision (click here) is a religious or cultural ritual for many Jewish and Islamic families, as well as certain aboriginal tribes in Africa and Australia. Circumcision can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care. Sometimes there's a medical need for circumcision, such as when the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back (retracted) over the glans. In other cases, particularly in certain parts of Africa, circumcision is recommended for older boys or men to reduce the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections.
The Council at Jerusalem - Galatians 2:4
…3But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.4But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. 5But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.…
Now there was to be freedom from bondage based on the identity of circumcision. This is not a joke. The Hebrews believe(d) that circumcision was prescribed by Moses. Acts 15:1 (NASB) "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."
The Council of Jerusalem Acts 15 (click here)
...The Apostles and Elders of Jerusalem (click here) accepted Titus “uncircumcised”, thus recognizing the validity of Paul’s proclamation concerning the freedom of grace. The Assembly confirmed the main leaders of the Church and recognized the missionary vocation of Peter for the circumcised and that of Paul for the uncircumcised. As a matter of fact, a sort of partitioning of the missionary field occurred: James, Kephas and John were directed towards the Jews, while Paul and Barnabas were sent to preach to the pagans....
Circumcision was a way of identifying the Jews. The act of circumcision would enslave them forever given Romans focus on purity of the genetic pool of emperors. The Romans believed they were half god. This was a very big deal and a direct form of revolution for the disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Council of Jerusalem occurred in 46 AD. It was two years after James the Greater had been beheaded. He was considered a martyr. These acts of rebellion against the Roman empire were serious and considered a threat to the purity of the race. They were still carrying the burden of the word of Jesus against the slavery of Rome. Jesus would live to see his church established. That would not occur until 50 AD when Paul began the teaching of a monotheistic faith.
The Council at Jerusalem - Galatians 2:4
…3But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.4But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. 5But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.…
Now there was to be freedom from bondage based on the identity of circumcision. This is not a joke. The Hebrews believe(d) that circumcision was prescribed by Moses. Acts 15:1 (NASB) "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved."
The Council of Jerusalem Acts 15 (click here)
...The Apostles and Elders of Jerusalem (click here) accepted Titus “uncircumcised”, thus recognizing the validity of Paul’s proclamation concerning the freedom of grace. The Assembly confirmed the main leaders of the Church and recognized the missionary vocation of Peter for the circumcised and that of Paul for the uncircumcised. As a matter of fact, a sort of partitioning of the missionary field occurred: James, Kephas and John were directed towards the Jews, while Paul and Barnabas were sent to preach to the pagans....
Circumcision was a way of identifying the Jews. The act of circumcision would enslave them forever given Romans focus on purity of the genetic pool of emperors. The Romans believed they were half god. This was a very big deal and a direct form of revolution for the disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Council of Jerusalem occurred in 46 AD. It was two years after James the Greater had been beheaded. He was considered a martyr. These acts of rebellion against the Roman empire were serious and considered a threat to the purity of the race. They were still carrying the burden of the word of Jesus against the slavery of Rome. Jesus would live to see his church established. That would not occur until 50 AD when Paul began the teaching of a monotheistic faith.
