But neither Titus, who was with me.
But neither Titus
1. This incident is introduced by way of evidence, not by way of apology.
2. The circumcision of Titus is inconsistent with individual expressions in the passage.
3. For such a concession, both the time and the person were most inopportune. St. Paul is here indirectly meeting a charge brought against him on the ground of his circumcision of Timothy.
I. Not even Titus, who as my fellow-labourer would be constantly brought in contact with the Jews, and therefore might well have adopted a conciliatory attitude.
II. Not even Titus, although the pressure exerted in his case was great.
III. Why? because he was a Greek; Timothy was a Jew. (Bishop Lightfoot.)
Soul liberty
Paul circumcised Timothy, but would not allow Titus to be, to show that Christianity
(1) is independent of ceremonies,
(2) can exist without them. Soul liberty is--
I. Essentially identified with christ.
II. Is opposed to a ritualistic ministry.
III. Is to be defended with uncompromising determination. (D. Thomas, D. D.)
The gravity of the crisis
Judaism was the cradle of Christianity, and very nearly became its grave. (Paul of Tarsus.)
Narrowness and breadth
In our own country people very often attempt to coerce the minority by calumniating its objects, and one of the commonest words used for this purpose is the term un-English. Now, the nationalist party among the Jews might have called the converts un-Jewish. Heated by a narrow patriotism, they were ready to join the cry of the depraved rabble in the heathen cities, and stigmatise the Christian as the enemy of the human race, because his sympathies were comprehensive. (Paul of Tarsus.)