Titus, Timothy, and Cornelius: Why They Don’t Support Replacement Theology or the Doctrine of Inclusion

Skulla
Aug 1
3 min read

Updated: Oct 19

Many people today believe that Titus, Timothy, and Cornelius prove that Gentiles have replaced Israel or that anyone can now be included as Israelites regardless of their lineage. This idea is often called replacement theology or the doctrine of inclusion. But this teaching directly contradicts what the Bible says about God’s covenant with Israel, especially scriptures like Hebrews 8:8 where God promises a new covenant specifically with the house of Israel and Judah.

This FAQ-style post will help you understand why these three biblical figures do not support replacement theology, and how their stories fit into God’s plan to restore Israel, not replace her.

1. Was Timothy a Gentile or an Israelite?

Timothy’s mother was a Jewess, and his father was called a “Greek” (Acts 16:1).
The term “Greek” often referred to a Hellenized Israelite, someone of Israelite descent living in Greek-speaking areas and adopting Greek culture.
Paul did circumcise Timothy, whose mother was Jewish, in order to avoid offending the Jewish believers (Acts 16:3), showing Timothy’s connection to Israel through his mother.
Timothy was raised in the Scriptures and taught faith from his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15).

Conclusion: Timothy was a scattered Israelite, culturally Hellenized but covenantally part of Israel.

2. Was Titus a Gentile? If So, How Could Paul Give Him Authority?

Titus is called a Greek, and Paul did not circumcise him (Galatians 2:3).
However, the term “Greek” may also include Hellenized Israelites or those who joined the covenant by faith.
Paul entrusted Titus with appointing elders and teaching sound doctrine (Titus 1:5, 1:9), roles given to faithful covenant members.
If Titus were a literal heathen outside the covenant, the early church would have certainly objected.

Conclusion: Titus was a Hellenized Israelite, recognized as part of the covenant people.

3. Was Cornelius a Gentile? Does His Story Support Inclusion or Replacement?

Cornelius was a God-fearing man living among Jews (Acts 10:2).
His family likely had Israelite roots, common among dispersed Israelites throughout the Roman Empire.
God used Cornelius as an example of extending mercy to the scattered Israelite remnant, not replacing Israel.
Cornelius’ household’s faith and proximity to Jewish worship align with Israelite identity.

Conclusion: Cornelius was part of the scattered Israelite remnant, not a Gentile replacement.

4. Doesn’t Paul Say “There is Neither Jew nor Greek” (Galatians 3:28)? Doesn’t That Support Inclusion?

Galatians 3:28 teaches spiritual equality before God — Jew and Greek have equal access to salvation through faith.
It does not erase physical or national distinctions.
Paul teaches in Romans 11 that natural Israel remains distinct and is not replaced.

Conclusion: This verse affirms unity in faith but does not cancel Israel’s identity or promises.

5. What About John 3:16 — Doesn’t God Love the Whole World?

God Hates Esau — Not All Nations Are Loved“As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.”Romans 9:13
God's relationship with humanity is not neutral or universal. This verse shows that God doesn’t love all people equally, and He has declared hatred for Esau (Edomites). That alone contradicts the Christian idea of universal love.
John 3:16 cannot cancel God’s specific covenant and promises to Israel and Judah (Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:8).

Conclusion: God’s love is directional. His covenant promises remain exclusive to Israel.

6. What Does Hebrews 8:8 Say About the New Covenant?

Hebrews 8:8 quotes Jeremiah 31:31:“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.”
The New Covenant is made specifically with Israel and Judah, not with Gentiles replacing them.

Conclusion: The covenant promises are for Israel’s restoration, not for the replacement by Gentiles.

7. How Does Ezekiel’s Prophecy of the Two Sticks Fit In?

Ezekiel 37 describes God uniting the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel (the two sticks) into one nation (Ezekiel 37:16-22).
This is a prophecy of national restoration, not Gentile inclusion or replacement.
God promises to regather Israel from the nations where they were scattered (Ezekiel 37:21).

Conclusion: God is restoring the true Israel, not grafting Gentiles into Israel by default.

Final Thoughts

Titus, Timothy, and Cornelius are often misunderstood to support replacement theology.
Careful study shows they were part of God’s plan to restore Israel, not replace her.
God’s promises to Israel remain firm and exclusive.

Stay rooted in the full counsel of scripture to avoid doctrines that erase God’s promises to His chosen people.