Instead, we should write a letter to them. We should tell them these things:
Acts 16:3 - Easy To Read Version Paul wanted Timothy to travel with him. But all the Jews living in that area knew that Timothy’s father was Greek (not Jewish). So Paul circumcised {\cf2\super [327]} Timothy to please the Jews. Tuilleadh leaganachaKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition Paul desired Timothy to go with him [as a missionary]; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those places, all of whom knew that his father was a Greek. American Standard Version (1901) Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Common English Bible Paul wanted to take Timothy with him, so he circumcised him. This was because of the Jews who lived in those areas, for they all knew Timothy’s father was Greek. Catholic Public Domain Version Paul wanted this man to travel with him, and taking him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version Him Paul would have to go along with him: and taking him he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile. |
Instead, we should write a letter to them. We should tell them these things:
Paul chose Silas to go with him. The brothers \{in Antioch\} put Paul into the Lord’s care and sent him out.
It is not important if a person is circumcised or not circumcised. The important thing is obeying God’s commands.
To the Jews I became like a Jew. I did this to help save the Jews. I myself am not ruled by the law. {\cf2\super [60]} But to people that are ruled by the law I became like a person who is ruled by the law. I did this to help save those people that are ruled by the law.
God gave Peter the power to work as an apostle. {\cf2\super [14]} Peter is an apostle for the Jewish people. God gave me the power to work as an apostle too. But I am an apostle for the people who are not Jews.
When a person is in Christ Jesus, it is not important if he is circumcised or not. The important thing is faith—the kind of faith that works through love.
You know the kind of person Timothy is. You know that he has served with me in telling the Good News {\cf2\super [14]} like a son serves his father.