1 Corinthians 7:19 – God’s precepts for today

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the precepts of God.

Paul was not an opponent of the circumcision. For example, for the sake of the Jews, he had his associate Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3). Paul was also aware of the many (!) privileges associated with circumcision (Rom. 3:1,2) And yet… in the ministry entrusted to him, being circumcised or not plays no role whatsoever. Paul is the apostle of the nations. His ministry involves the temporary interruption of GOD’s dealings with Israel (Rom. 11:11-15) to address the nations during this pause. Without distinction.

Rituals, including circumcision, are completely unimportant during this interlude on GOD’s program. At this time and in ‘the household’ of which Paul is the administrator (Eph. 3:2), circumcision does not belong to GOD’s regulations. That was different for Israel in the past. In fact circumcision was the first of the precepts and a sign of GOD’s covenant with Israel.

How Important, therefore, to read the Scriptures with distinction! All Scripture is for us, but not all Scripture is addressed to us. Today we are dependent on the wonderful teaching of the apostle Paul!

Delen: