Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



Certain men [i.e., believers, see verse 5] came down from Judea [to Antioch of Syria] and began teaching the brothers this: You cannot be saved unless you are circumcised according to the custom [required] by Moses. Verse ConceptsCouncil of JerusalemAbraham, Family And DescendantsExclusivenessBarnabasHeresiesDenominationsMisteachingNecessity Of CircumcisionSalvation By Other Things




Paul wanted him to travel with him [on a preaching mission] so he had him circumcised in order to avoid prejudice by the Jews in that area, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalMissionary Work, Examples OfGoing TogetherIsrael HardenedJews

Was any man already circumcised when he was called [by God to be a Christian]? Then he should not [try to] become uncircumcised. [Note: Some Jews in that day resorted to a surgical procedure in an attempt to conceal their circumcision]. Was any man uncircumcised when he was called? Then he should not become circumcised. Verse ConceptsConsider Your Call To SalvationNecessity Of Circumcision

But they did not even require that Titus, a Greek [i.e., a Gentile] who was with me, become circumcised. Verse ConceptsCircumcision, physicalGreeksNecessity Of CircumcisionNo Compulsion

Look, I Paul am telling you that, if you revert to [the practice of] circumcision [i.e., the Jewish rite of identity, signifying the responsibility to observe the law of Moses], then Christ's [sacrifice] will be of no value to you. Verse ConceptsAbolitionSalvation Not By WorksValue

Those who attempt to make a good impression by trying to force you to be circumcised really want only to avoid being persecuted for their commitment to Christ. Verse ConceptsExclusivenessOutward AppearanceLiving For The MaterialNecessity Of CircumcisionOutward CompulsionSignificance Of Christ's CrucifixionPersecutionThe Crosstrying