Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a covenantal sign given by God to Abraham, holds significant importance in Jewish identity and religious practice. It is first introduced in Genesis 17:10-14, where God commands Abraham and his descendants to circumcise every male as a perpetual sign of the covenant between them. This act of circumcision became a defining mark of the Jewish people, setting them apart from other nations.The Jews, adhering strictly to the covenant, viewed circumcision as a critical aspect of their relationship with God. It was not merely a physical act but a spiritual symbol of purity, obedience, and belonging to the chosen people of God. As such, those who were uncircumcised were often regarded as unclean and outside the covenant community. This perspective is evident in various scriptural accounts and Jewish traditions. In the Old Testament, the term "uncircumcised" is frequently used to describe those who are not part of the Israelite community, often carrying a connotation of impurity or defilement. For instance, in 1 Samuel 17:26, David refers to Goliath as "this uncircumcised Philistine," highlighting the distinction between the covenant people of Israel and their enemies. Similarly, in Ezekiel 44:7, God rebukes the Israelites for allowing "foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and flesh," to enter His sanctuary, underscoring the importance of circumcision as a marker of holiness and separation. The New Testament also reflects this Jewish perspective. In Acts 10, Peter initially hesitates to associate with Gentiles, who were uncircumcised, until God reveals to him that He shows no favoritism and accepts those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right (Acts 10:34-35). This revelation marks a significant shift in the early Christian understanding of circumcision and the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith community. Despite this shift, the early Jewish Christians struggled with the inclusion of uncircumcised Gentiles. The Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 addresses this tension, ultimately deciding that Gentile believers need not be circumcised to be saved, emphasizing faith in Jesus Christ as the basis for salvation. Paul, in his epistles, further elaborates on this theological development, arguing that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, and not merely a physical act (Romans 2:28-29). Throughout Jewish history, circumcision remained a vital practice, symbolizing the Jewish people's covenantal relationship with God. The distinction between the circumcised and the uncircumcised continued to influence Jewish interactions with other nations, often leading to a perception of those outside the covenant as unclean or impure. This perspective, deeply rooted in the Jewish understanding of holiness and separation, underscores the significance of circumcision as more than a physical ritual but as a profound expression of faith and identity. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 14:6And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 17:26 Matthew 15:26,27 Ephesians 2:11,15 Library Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus. Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... Letter Lxxv. (AD 404. ) Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... Demonstration xxii. --Of Death and the Latter Times. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ... The Conversion of Cornelius. 1 Cor. vii. 1, 2 Paul in Corinth. The Gospel According to St. Luke Resources Who was Zipporah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Romans 2:7 teach works salvation? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | GotQuestions.org Circumcision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Circumcision was Performed by Persons in Authority Circumcision was Performed by the Heads of Families Circumcision was Performed in the Presence of the Family Circumcision was Performed with Knives of Flint Circumcision was Performed: Even on the Sabbath Day Circumcision was Performed: On Males Home-Born and Bought Circumcision was Performed: On the Eighth Day Circumcision without Faith, Vain Circumcision without Obedience, Vain Circumcision: A Designation of Christians Circumcision: A Designation of the Jews Circumcision: A Painful and Bloody Rite Circumcision: A Prerequisite of the Privileges of the Passover Circumcision: A Seal of Righteousness Circumcision: A Seal of the Covenant Circumcision: Abolished by the Gospel Circumcision: Accompanied With Naming the Child Circumcision: Called The: Circumcision in the Flesh Circumcision: Called The: Concision Circumcision: Called The: Covenant of Circumcision Circumcision: Characterized by Paul As a Yoke Circumcision: Child Named at the Time of Circumcision: Covenant Promises of Circumcision: Enforced by the Law Circumcision: First Performed on Abraham and his Family Circumcision: Instituted by God Circumcision: Introductory Jewish Ordinances Circumcision: Israelites at Gilgal Circumcision: John the Baptist Circumcision: Necessary to Enjoying the Privileges of the Jewish State Circumcision: Necessity of, Asserted by False Teachers Circumcision: Necessity of, Denied by Paul Circumcision: Necessity of, Falsely Taught by Judaizing Christians Circumcision: Neglect of, Punished Circumcision: Not Performed in the Wilderness Circumcision: Paul Denounced for Opposing Circumcision: Paul's Argument Against the Continuance of Circumcision: Performed by Joshua at Gilgal Circumcision: Performed on all Males on the Eighth Day Circumcision: Performed on Timothy As a Matter or Expediency Because of The Circumcision: Promises to Abraham Previous To Circumcision: Punishment for Neglecting Circumcision: Purity of Speech Circumcision: Readiness to Hear and Obey Circumcision: Rite of, Observed on the Sabbath Circumcision: Saints the True Spiritual Circumcision: Sometimes Performed on Slain Enemies Circumcision: The Jews: Denominated By Circumcision: The Jews: Despised As Unclean Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held It Unlawful to Intermarry With Those not of The Circumcision: The Jews: Held No Intercourse With Those not of The Circumcision: Trusting To, a Denial of Christ Related Terms Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) |
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