Acts 16:1-5

https://www.biblestudytools.com/acts/passage/?q=acts+16:1-5

Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

16:1 Timothy is the first second-generation Christian mentioned in the New Testament. His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois (2 Timothy 1:5), had become believers and had faithfully influenced him for the Lord. Although Timothy's father apparently was not a Christian, the faithfulness of Timothy's mother and grandmother prevailed. Never underestimate the far-reaching consequence of raising one small child to love the Lord.

16:2, 3 Timothy and his mother, Eunice, we're from Lystra. Eunice had probably heard Paul's preaching when he was there during his first missionary journey (14:6-18). Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and Greek father--to the Jews, a half-breed like a Samaritan. So Paul asked Timothy to be circumcised to remove some of the stigma he may have had with Jewish believers. Timothy was not required to be circumcised (the Jerusalem council had decided that--chapter 15), but he voluntarily did this to overcome any barriers to his witness for Christ. Sometimes we need to go beyond the minimum requirements in order to help our audience receive our testimony.

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Isn't it interesting how God draws His own to Himself? One could be in a split family (where the Mom believes and the Dad does not), and God could call their child His own. It might seem a little hypocritical that Paul would be delivering a letter saying circumcision is not required of Gentile believers while circumcising Timothy. But Timothy's Mother was Jewish, so it is not that hard to understand this act. She was, evidently, a great influence on her son. But the calling to Timothy to travel on the Good News mission with Paul and Silas was God at work gathering His next generation of leaders, imho. As throughout history, God"s work will carry on. I read the devotions written by others, and seek the songs written today to share the Good News. There is great evidence. God is still calling His own to serve.

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Lord, Thank You for continuing Your work in and through us. As You call, You sanctify us and equip us with Your gifts to do the service You tag us to do. Thank You for these gifts. Help us use them fully for Your glory. Thank You for the courage to step out and commit to serve. Guide us as we learn through experience and threats of hardship. Keep us focused on You and what is true and important. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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A Song: https://youtu.be/-fDKdtZGCJM

Bonus Song: https://youtu.be/yPB9ENSd1Xc

Have a blessed day.