Title: Paul's Principle/Acts 16:1-5
1. Raise the problem of reality
Many ethical issues are being seriously discussed in modern society. Abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, AIDS... ,
The church's response to this is a significant difference between progressives and conservatives, and they are unable to narrow their views.
Not only that, but there are many discussions within the church that are not social and ethical issues. Whether to pursue world mission and justice through participation or to establish the identity of a pure church over the issue of joining the WCC, is it missionary to add evangelical messages while doing a lot of social programs like Christian broadcasting, or is it purely like Far East Broadcasting? Is it desirable to aim for a mission broadcast that preserves the evangelical message? Is the role of the church to be devoted to the proclamation of the truth of the gospel of Christ, or should it focus on the mission of service to accuse society of injustice and care for every corner? whether to do...
Of course, you can take the middle way, but where is the middle?... Is there really an answer?
2. The circumcision of Timothy and observance of the ordinances decided by the Jerusalem church.
Paul's attitude shown in today's text raises many questions for us. Paul, who won by decision from the Jerusalem church in a discussion of theological issues
Was Timothy circumcised as an expression of generosity and generosity toward the field?
According to the words of Romans 2:29, circumcision was not a law established at the time of Moses as the Jews insisted, but God promised Abraham and commanded him to do it as a sign of that promise. Therefore, after the promised Messiah comes, there is no need to sign the promise any more. It is said that the circumcision of the heart by the Spirit is important, not the circumcision of the flesh.
The book of Galatians focuses on the inadequacy of circumcision after Jesus (belief in faith) through verses from beginning to end (2:2, 5:2, 5:11-12).
Why did Paul, who had completely refused to be circumcised with Titus, deal with Timothy? Why did other churches teach and keep the rules for matching the Jewish parables?
3. Paul's Principles
What do Paul's actions teach us?
In 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul introduces his own principles of action (9:19-23). Passion for the gospel is the root of it. "Different appearances to different people" However, the Apostle Paul had a clear standard. With his clear principles, Timothy was circumcised, and he completely rejected Titus' request for circumcision. .
We need to focus on what was the difference between Timothy and Titus. Different cultures and environments require different mission strategies. ?
Difference Between Timothy and Titus
Timothy - whose mother is a Jew, a person who will do missionary work to Jews.
Most of the people were Jews who were already living according to the law.
Titus - Pure Gentiles, members of the Galatian Church - Mainly Gentiles
Those who tried to impose the law on those who had been outside the law
A false teacher came in.
conclusion
There is an absolute need to review the mission strategy of the church. We need a strong Discipline within the church. There is a need for elaboration of believers. As long as we represent God's will to the world on ethical issues, we need to have a clear voice.
However, it should be recognized that those who are already in trouble, who need comfort and care, need love, not condemnation. It is necessary to properly use both sides of the river. This needs to be applied not only in the spiritual aspect but also in all fields (home, work, school...).
Let's carefully examine and consider the various issues presented in the introduction. However, the important thing to think about before taking action by interpreting the issue of ethical values is to check whether my interpretation is a means of rationality and a means to adapt to reality or an interpretation based on a passion for preaching the gospel. something to do.