Topical Encyclopedia Circumcision, a significant rite in the Abrahamic covenant, holds a prominent place in biblical tradition and practice. This ritual, which involves the removal of the male foreskin, was instituted by God as a sign of the covenant between Him and Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 17:10-14. The practice was to be carried out on the eighth day after a male child's birth, marking his inclusion in the covenant community of Israel.The performance of circumcision in the presence of the family underscores its communal and familial significance. It was not merely a private act but a public declaration of faith and obedience to God's command. The family, as the primary unit of society, played a crucial role in upholding and transmitting the covenantal promises and responsibilities. In Genesis 21:4, we see Abraham circumcising his son Isaac on the eighth day, as God had commanded him: "And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him." This act was likely witnessed by Sarah and other members of the household, reinforcing the communal aspect of the covenant. The presence of the family during the circumcision ceremony served to affirm the child's identity as part of God's chosen people and to remind the family of their collective commitment to God's covenant. The practice of circumcision continued throughout Israel's history, as seen in the account of the circumcision of John the Baptist in Luke 1:59: "On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him after his father Zechariah." Here, the community gathered for the circumcision, indicating that it was a significant event involving family and community members. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the spiritual significance of circumcision, emphasizing that it is not merely an external ritual but a matter of the heart (Romans 2:28-29). However, the early church grappled with the question of circumcision for Gentile converts, ultimately determining that it was not necessary for salvation (Acts 15:1-29). Despite the theological developments in the New Testament, the practice of circumcision in the presence of the family remains a testament to the enduring importance of family and community in the life of faith. It highlights the role of the family in nurturing and sustaining the covenant relationship with God, serving as a reminder of the shared faith and commitment that binds the people of God together. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 1:58-61And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy on her; and they rejoiced with her. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Acts XXI Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia. Acts XVI The Organization of the Apostolic Church. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ... Resources What is circumcision of the heart? | GotQuestions.orgIs baptism the New Covenant equivalent of circumcision? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about circumcision? What is the Christian view of circumcision? | 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) |
    |