Compare these two statements:
[Paul] took [Timothy] and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek (Acts 16:3).
Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek (Galatians 2:3).
In cases like this, skeptics rush to accuse Scripture of contradicting itself. Believers begin by giving the benefit of the doubt, assuming there is a reasonable explanation. Research, especially in the rings of context, typically provides the answer. In Acts 16, Paul was practicing the principle he later stated in 1 Corinthians 9:20, “To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews.” Paul’s mission in new areas began with Jews (Acts 13:46; Romans 1:16). Paul’s team could not be effective with Jews if it included an uncircumcised man. Paul adapted to this cultural problem by having his partner Timothy circumcised. (Paul seems also to have been adapting to culture in Acts 21:17-26.) The case cited by Galatians was different. Some Jewish Christians insisted that Gentile believers—including Titus—were not truly saved until they had received circumcision. They were abandoning the grace of Christ and returning to the Law (Galatians 5:1-4). Paul refused their demands. Here we are dealing with two principles: adapting to culture for the sake of the Gospel, and preserving the Gospel itself. The latter is by far the most important and takes priority, as in Titus’ case. That raises questions of culture. Before we explore further, let’s review Jesus’ approach. He came as a Jew which meant part of His culture was God-given (the Law) and part was human custom (such as greeting with a kiss and washing feet). He kept the Law perfectly, and He fit into the culture. However, He was bold about this own, higher values.
- He refused the political power that most thought essential for change (John 6:15; 18:36).
- His miraculous powers could have made Him rich, but he chose poverty (Luke 8:43; 9:3, 58; 16:14).
- He associated with known sinners, which offended important people (Luke 7:37-39; 15:2).
- He chose as leaders uneducated men from a region regarded as backward (John 1:46; Matthew 26:73; Acts 4:13).
- His disciples were surprised that he spoke to a Samaritan woman (John 4:27).
- He especially clashed with the Pharisees who tried to impose their traditions on others (Mark 2:23-28; 7:1-5).
Jesus knew that many human values fall short of God’s standards. “For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). With that perspective, it is not surprising that “His own people did not receive Him” (John 1:11). We would be mistaken, then, to see Jesus’ teachings and choices as victims of His culture and times.