Dictionary of Bible Themes In the OT, circumcision is seen as an outward sign of membership of Israel, the people of God. Genesis 17:10-14The significance of circumcision in God's covenant with Abraham See also Acts 7:8Genesis 17:7 Circumcision is also for Abraham's descendants Genesis 34:8-9,14-17Circumcision as a sign of national identity Exodus 4:24-26Dinah's brothers and the Shechemites: Joshua 5:4-8Leviticus 12:3 Circumcision is integrated into the Mosaic law John 7:22It was later sometimes forgotten that circumcision predated the Mosaic law. Exodus 12:44,48-49Circumcision as an important Passover restriction Judges 14:3Some of Israel's neighbours practised circumcision, but not the Philistines. Jeremiah 9:25-26Circumcision was not necessarily a sign of consecration to God Luke 1:59NT accounts of circumcision practised in obedience to the law Luke 2:21John John 7:23Jesus Christ Philippians 3:5Circumcision was permitted on the Sabbath Acts 16:3Paul refers to his own circumcision Timothy Acts 10:45; 11:2; 15:5The subject of circumcision debated by the first Christians Galatians 2:3Ephesians 2:11 Colossians 3:11 That Titus, a Greek, was not required to be circumcised illustrates the change in the attitude of the church concerning the relevance of the law to Gentile believers Titus 1:10See also 1349 covenant at Sinai1680 types 5379 law, Christ's attitude 6510 salvation 7140 people of God 7422 ritual 7957 sacraments |
    |