A DISCIPLE NAMED TIMOTHY

Acts 16:1-5 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek, which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Bible scholars say that the period before this incident was approximately three years. At that time, Paul chose a fellow servant in Christ named Silas, and returned to visit the churches of Christ that had been established in the cities visited by he and Barnabas during their first missionary journey. It was there that Judaists and followers of paganism were converted to Christianity by preaching the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. More than likely Silas was a Hellenistic Jew having Roman citizenship. He was assuredly known as a prominent member of the first century church that was established in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost following the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord and Savior.

The lesson text finds Paul and Silas traveling overland to the Grecian area known as Asia Minor, and into the province of Lycaonia. There, they entered the city of Derbe, where they taught and strengthened the brethren of the church of Christ established in that city. While here they met with the brethren of this body of Christ, reestablished their faith, and confirmed the message of salvation that had been miraculously given them by inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. Afterwards they entered into the nearby city of Lystra and accomplished the same confirmation with the brethren of the body of Christ founded in that city. While there, they found a certain disciple of Christ named Timotheus, which was the Greek name for the disciple whom we love and know by his most popular name, Timothy.

Here we find a brief biblical history of this young fellow-laborer of the apostle Paul, which helps us immensely, as bible students, to understand the two epistles Paul wrote to him, which have been preserved for our learning as the inspired word of God. Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother that had been converted to Christianity, but his father was a Greek. Here in Lystra, Timothy, as well as his mother, Eunice, were probably taught the inspired gospel of Christ by the apostle Paul. No doubt they, at that time, believed Jesus to be the promised Savior, the Son of God, were baptized for the remission of their sins, and were added, by God, to the church of Christ, and became a member of the particular congregation that was established here during Paul's first missionary journey to this city. Since his conversion it is evident that young Timothy demonstrated his Christian virtues among his brethren as well as within the community in which he lived. He was well reported of by all that knew him, and knew of his devotion to the Lord and Savior whom he served.

During these historical times, the son of a marriage generally followed the heritage of the father. Even though his mother was a Jewess, Timothy's father was a Greek. Therefore, he was not circumcised at birth, as Jewish custom required of all male children. Paul had just completed a passionate, but successful confrontation with the staunch Judaist Christian brethren in the church of Christ in Jerusalem denying the necessity of circumcision of male Gentile converts to Christ. Therefore, it may seem a matter of contention that Paul considered it necessary to circumcise Timothy before enlisting him to assist in the preaching the word of God through which salvation was to be offered to all nations of the world. However, this act of circumcision was thought to be a necessary expedient by Paul because of the Jews, which were in those quarters.

Due to Timothy's Jewish heritage through his mother, Paul realized that prejudices would arise and jeopardize the effectiveness of his teaching to both Jewish and Gentile people. Although circumcision was practiced by the Jewish people of that era, it was not necessary for salvation. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision had any spiritual consequences. But to appease the Jews and make them more receptive to the gospel of Christ, young Timothy was to preach among them, Paul considered it necessary to submit to circumcision required by his Jewish heritage. From that point on, the decrees of the apostles of Jerusalem were taught by Paul, Silas, and Timothy. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.