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Text -- Galatians 2:3 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
2:3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Greek the language used by the people of Greece
 · Titus a Christian Greek man who accompanied Paul and was left in Crete to settle the churches there


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Titus | Peter | PAUL, THE APOSTLE, 5 | PAUL, THE APOSTLE, 1 | Minister | Law | Greeks | Galatians, Epistle to | GRECIANS; GREEKS | GALATIANS, EPISTLE TO THE | Circumcision | Bigotry | Barnabas | APOSTOLIC AGE | ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, 8-12 | ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, 1-7 | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , Combined Bible , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Gal 2:3 - -- Being a Greek ( Hellēn ōn ). Concessive participle, though he was a Greek.

Being a Greek ( Hellēn ōn ).

Concessive participle, though he was a Greek.

Robertson: Gal 2:3 - -- Was compelled to be circumcised ( ēnagkasthē peritmēthēnai ). First aorist passive indicative of anagkazō and first aorist passive infini...

Was compelled to be circumcised ( ēnagkasthē peritmēthēnai ).

First aorist passive indicative of anagkazō and first aorist passive infinitive of peritemnō . Curiously enough some scholars interpret this language to mean that Paul voluntarily had Titus circumcised, instead of being compelled to do it, an impossible view in my opinion in the light of Gal 2:5 and wholly inconsistent with the whole context. Paul means that he stood his ground against compulsion and all force.

Vincent: Gal 2:3 - -- Neither ( οὐδὲ ) More correctly, not even . So far were they from pronouncing my labor in vain, that not even Titus was compelled ...

Neither ( οὐδὲ )

More correctly, not even . So far were they from pronouncing my labor in vain, that not even Titus was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek. Though approving Paul's preaching, the apostles might, for the sake of conciliation, have insisted on the circumcision of his Gentile companion.

Vincent: Gal 2:3 - -- Being a Greek ( Ἕλλην ὤν ) Or, although he was a Greek . Const. closely with σὺν ἐμοι, with me . It was a b...

Being a Greek ( Ἕλλην ὤν )

Or, although he was a Greek . Const. closely with σὺν ἐμοι, with me . It was a bold proceeding for Paul to take an uncircumcised Gentile with him to the conference at Jerusalem.

Vincent: Gal 2:3 - -- Was compelled to be circumcised ( ἠναγκάσθη περιτμηθῆναι ) That is. no constraint was applied by the Jerusalem church ...

Was compelled to be circumcised ( ἠναγκάσθη περιτμηθῆναι )

That is. no constraint was applied by the Jerusalem church and its authorities for the circumcision of Titus. The statement is not that such an attempt was pressed but successfully resisted, but that circumcision was not insisted on by the church. The pressure in that direction came from " the false brethren" described in the next verse.

Wesley: Gal 2:3 - -- When I conversed with them.

When I conversed with them.

Wesley: Gal 2:3 - -- A clear proof that none of the apostles insisted on the circumcising gentile believers. The sense is, And it is true, some of those false brethren wou...

A clear proof that none of the apostles insisted on the circumcising gentile believers. The sense is, And it is true, some of those false brethren would fain have compelled Titus to be circumcised; but I utterly refused it.

JFB: Gal 2:3 - -- So far were they from regarding me as running in vain, that "not even Titus who was with me, who was a Greek (and therefore uncircumcised), was compel...

So far were they from regarding me as running in vain, that "not even Titus who was with me, who was a Greek (and therefore uncircumcised), was compelled to be circumcised." So the Greek should be translated. The "false brethren," Gal 2:4 ("certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed," Act 15:5), demanded his circumcision. The apostles, however, constrained by the firmness of Paul and Barnabas (Gal 2:5), did not compel or insist on his being circumcised. Thus they virtually sanctioned Paul's course among the Gentiles and admitted his independence as an apostle: the point he desires to set forth to the Galatians. Timothy, on the other hand, as being a proselyte of the gate, and son of a Jewess (Act 16:1), he circumcised (Act 16:3). Christianity did not interfere with Jewish usages, regarded merely as social ordinances, though no longer having their religious significance, in the case of Jews and proselytes, while the Jewish polity and temple still stood; after the overthrow of the latter, those usages naturally ceased. To have insisted on Jewish usages for Gentile converts, would have been to make them essential parts of Christianity. To have rudely violated them at first in the case of Jews, would have been inconsistent with that charity which (in matters indifferent) is made all things to all men, that by all means it may win some (1Co 9:22; compare Rom 14:1-7, Rom 14:13-23). Paul brought Titus about with him as a living example of the power of the Gospel upon the uncircumcised heathen.

Clarke: Gal 2:3 - -- But neither Titus, who was with me - The apostle proceeds to state that his account was so satisfactory to the apostles, that they not only did not ...

But neither Titus, who was with me - The apostle proceeds to state that his account was so satisfactory to the apostles, that they not only did not require him to insist on the necessity of circumcision among the Gentiles, but did not even require him to have Titus, who was a Greek, circumcised; though that might have appeared expedient, especially at Jerusalem, to have prevented false brethren from making a handle of his uncircumcision, and turning it to the prejudice of the Gospel in Judea

Clarke: Gal 2:3 - -- To spy out our liberty - The Judaizing brethren got introduced into the assembly of the apostles, in order to find out what was implied in the liber...

To spy out our liberty - The Judaizing brethren got introduced into the assembly of the apostles, in order to find out what was implied in the liberty of the Gospel, that they might know the better how to oppose St. Paul and his fellows in their preaching Christ to the Gentiles, and admitting them into the Church without obliging them to observe circumcision and keep the law. The apostle saw that while such men were in the assembly it was better not to mention his mission among the Gentiles, lest, by means of those false brethren, occasion should be given to altercations and disputes; therefore he took the opportunity, by private conferences, to set the whole matter, relative to his work among the Gentiles, before the chief of the apostles.

Calvin: Gal 2:3 - -- 3.But neither Titus. This is an additional argument to prove that the Apostles held the same views with himself; for he had brought to them an uncirc...

3.But neither Titus. This is an additional argument to prove that the Apostles held the same views with himself; for he had brought to them an uncircumcised man, whom they did not hesitate to acknowledge as a brother. The reason is assigned why he was not circumcised; for circumcision, being a matter of indifference, might be neglected or practiced as edification required. Our invariable rule of action is, that, if “all things are lawful for us,” (1Co 10:23) we ought to inquire what is expedient. He circumcises Timothy, (Act 16:3,) in order to take away a ground of offense from weak minds; for he was at that time dealing with weak minds, which it was his duty to treat with tenderness. And he would gladly have done the same thing with Titus, for he was unwearied in his endeavors to “support (Act 20:35) the weak;” but the case was different. For some false brethren were watching for an opportunity of slandering his doctrine, and would immediately have spread the report: “See how the valiant champion of liberty, when he comes into the presence of the apostles, lays aside the bold and fierce aspect which he is wont to assume among the ignorant!” Now, as it is our duty to “bear the infirmities of the weak,” (Rom 15:1,) so concealed foes, who purposely watch for our liberty, must, be vigorously resisted. The duties of love to our neighbor ought never to be injurious to faith; and therefore, in matters of indifference, the love of our neighbour will be our best guide, provided that faith shall always receive our first regard.

TSK: Gal 2:3 - -- Gal 5:2-6; Act 15:24, Act 16:3; 1Co 9:20,1Co 9:21

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Gal 2:3 - -- But neither Titus, who was with me - Paul introduces this case of Titus undoubtedly to show that circumcision was not necessary for salvation. ...

But neither Titus, who was with me - Paul introduces this case of Titus undoubtedly to show that circumcision was not necessary for salvation. It was a case just in point. He had gone up to Jerusalem with the express reference to this question. Here was a man whom he had admitted to the Christian church without circumcising him. He claimed that he had a right to do so; and that circumcision was not necessary in order for salvation. If it were necessary, it would have been proper that Titus should have been compelled to submit to it. But Paul that says this was not demanded; or if demanded by anyone, the point was yielded, and he was not compelled to be circumcised. It is to be remembered that this was at Jerusalem; that it was a case submitted to the apostles there; and that consequently the determination of this case settled the whole controversy about the obligation of the Mosaic laws on the Gentile converts.

It is quite evident from the whole statement here that Paul did not intend that Titus should be circumcised; that he maintained that it was not necessary; and that he resisted it when it was demanded; Gal 2:4-5. Yet on another occasion he himself performed the act of circumcision upon Timothy; Act 16:3. But there is no inconsistency in Paul’ s conduct. In the case of Titus, it was demanded as a matter of right and as obligatory upon him, and Paul resisted the principle as dangerous. In the case of Timothy, it was a voluntary compliance on his part with the usual customs of the Jews, where it was not pressed as a matter of obligation, and where it would not be understood as indispensable to salvation. No danger would follow from compliance with the custom, and it might do much to conciliate the favor of the Jews, and he therefore submitted to it. Paul would not have hesitated to have circumcised Titus in the same circumstances in which it was done to Timothy; but the circumstances were different; and when it was insisted upon as a matter of principle and of obligation, it became a matter of principle and of obligation with him to oppose it.

Being a Greek - Born of Gentile parents, of course he had not been circumcised. Probably both his parents were Greeks. The case with Timothy was somewhat different. His mother was a Jewess, but his father was a Greek Act 16:3.

Was compelled to be circumcised - I think it is implied here that this was demanded and insisted on by some that he should be circumcised. It is also implied that Paul resisted it, and the point was yielded, thus settling the great and important principle that it was not necessary in order for salvation; see Gal 2:5.

Poole: Gal 2:3 - -- The apostle brings this as an instance of the apostles at Jerusalem agreeing with him in his doctrine, as to the non-necessity of circumcision; for ...

The apostle brings this as an instance of the apostles at Jerusalem agreeing with him in his doctrine, as to the non-necessity of circumcision; for though Titus was with him, who was a native Gentile, being a Greek, and a minister of the gospel, (and possibly Paul carried him with him for an instance), yet the apostles at Jerusalem did not think fit to impose upon him circumcision; no, not upon a solemn debate of that question. If any shall object that Paul himself circumcised Timothy, who was a Greek, Act 16:1,3 ; the answer is easy, the same text letting us know that his mother was a Jewess, and that he did it because of the Jews in those quarters. As to the Jews, it was matter of liberty at this time, they might or might not be circumcised. Now in matters of this nature, where men have a liberty, they ought to have regard to circumstances, and to do that which they, from a view of circumstances, judge will be most for the glory of God, the good of others, and give least offence, 1Co 10:28-31 .

Haydock: Gal 2:3 - -- Neither Titus....circumcised, who had been a Gentile. A convincing proof, says St. John Chrysostom, that even according to the other apostles, the G...

Neither Titus....circumcised, who had been a Gentile. A convincing proof, says St. John Chrysostom, that even according to the other apostles, the Gentiles converted, were not subject to the Jewish laws. (Witham)

Gill: Gal 2:3 - -- But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek,.... There was such an agreement between the apostle, and his fellow apostles at Jerusalem, even abo...

But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek,.... There was such an agreement between the apostle, and his fellow apostles at Jerusalem, even about this article of the necessity of circumcision, and other rituals of the law of Moses, to salvation; that Titus, whom he brought along with him, an intimate companion of his in his travels, a fellow labourer with him in the ministry, and now upon the spot, though he was a Gentile, an uncircumcised person, yet even not he

was compelled to be circumcised: the elders did not urge it, or insist upon it, as proper and necessary; they looked upon it as a thing indifferent, left him to his liberty, and made use of no forcible methods to oblige him to it; yea, were of opinion, as Peter and James in the synod declared, that such a yoke ought not to be put upon the necks of the disciples, and that those who turned to God from among the Gentiles, should not be troubled with these things.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Gal 2:3 Grk “But,” translated here as “Yet” for stylistic reasons (note the use of “but” in v. 2).

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Gal 2:1-21 - --1 He shows when he went up again to Jerusalem, and for what purpose;3 and that Titus was not circumcised;11 and that he resisted Peter, and told him t...

Combined Bible: Gal 2:3 - --color="#000000"> 3. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.      The word "...

MHCC: Gal 2:1-10 - --Observe the apostle's faithfulness in giving a full account of the doctrine he had preached among the Gentiles, and was still resolved to preach, that...

Matthew Henry: Gal 2:1-10 - -- It should seem, by the account Paul gives of himself in this chapter, that, from the very first preaching and planting of Christianity, there was a ...

Barclay: Gal 2:1-10 - --In the preceding passage Paul has proved the independence of his gospel; here he is concerned to prove that this independence is not anarchy and that...

Constable: Gal 1:11--3:1 - --II. PERSONAL DEFENSE OF PAUL'S GOSPEL 1:11--2:21 The first of the three major sections of the epistle begins her...

Constable: Gal 2:1-10 - --B. Interdependence with other apostles 2:1-10 Paul related other events of his previous ministry, specifically his meeting with the Jerusalem church l...

College: Gal 2:1-21 - --GALATIANS 2 E. SHOWDOWN: CONFERENCE IN JERUSALEM (2:1-5) 1 Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus ...

McGarvey: Gal 2:3 - --But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised

Lapide: Gal 2:1-21 - --CHAPTER 2 SYNOPSIS OF THE CHAPTER i. Paul declares that he had compared his Gospel with Peter, James, and John, and that it had been approved of th...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Galatians (Book Introduction) The Epistle To The Galatians Probable Date a.d. 56 Or 57 By Way of Introduction It is a pity that we are not able to visualize more clearly the ...

JFB: Galatians (Book Introduction) THE internal and external evidence for Paul's authorship is conclusive. The style is characteristically Pauline. The superscription, and allusions to ...

JFB: Galatians (Outline) SUPERSCRIPTION. GREETINGS. THE CAUSE OF HIS WRITING IS THEIR SPEEDY FALLING AWAY FROM THE GOSPEL HE TAUGHT. DEFENSE OF HIS TEACHING: HIS APOSTOLIC CA...

TSK: Galatians (Book Introduction) The Galatians, or Gallograecians, were the descendants of Gauls, who migrated from their own country, and after a series of disasters, got possession ...

TSK: Galatians 2 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Gal 2:1, He shows when he went up again to Jerusalem, and for what purpose; Gal 2:3, and that Titus was not circumcised; Gal 2:11, and th...

Poole: Galatians 2 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 2

MHCC: Galatians (Book Introduction) The churches in Galatia were formed partly of converted Jews, and partly of Gentile converts, as was generally the case. St. Paul asserts his apostoli...

MHCC: Galatians 2 (Chapter Introduction) (Gal 2:1-10) The apostle declares his being owned as an apostle of the Gentiles. (Gal 2:11-14) He had publicly opposed Peter for judaizing. (Gal 2:1...

Matthew Henry: Galatians (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians This epistle of Paul is directed not to the church or churches...

Matthew Henry: Galatians 2 (Chapter Introduction) The apostle, in this chapter, continues the relation of his past life and conduct, which he had begun in the former; and, by some further instances...

Barclay: Galatians (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: Galatians 2 (Chapter Introduction) The Man Who Refused To Be Overawed (Gal_2:1-10) The Essential Unity (Gal_2:11-13) The End Of The Law (Gal_2:14-17) The Life That Is Crucified And ...

Constable: Galatians (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical Background "The most uncontroverted matter in the study of Gal...

Constable: Galatians (Outline)

Constable: Galatians Galatians Bibliography Allen, Kenneth W. "Justification by Faith." Bibliotheca Sacra 135:538 (April-June 1978):...

Haydock: Galatians (Book Introduction) THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE GALATIANS. INTRODUCTION. The Galatians, soon after St. Paul had preached the gospel to them, were...

Gill: Galatians (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO GALATIANS The persons to whom this epistle is written were not such who made up a single church only, in some certain town or city,...

Gill: Galatians 2 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO GALATIANS 2 In this chapter the apostle proceeds with the narrative of himself, and gives an account of another journey of his to J...

College: Galatians (Book Introduction) FOREWORD Since the earliest days of the concept of a commentary series jointly authored by church of Christ and Christian church scholars, I have eag...

College: Galatians (Outline) OUTLINE I. AUTHORITY: The Apostolic Gospel - 1:1-2:21 A. Greeting - 1:1-5 B. Paul's Astonishment - 1:6-10 C. Paul's Call by God - 1:11-17 ...

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