“Timothy”
Acts 16:1-5
When we were together last we found that Paul and Barnabas went in separate directions.
I believe that God allowed this in order to double the effort of spreading the Gospel and helping the new Churches that were established during the first missionary journey.
Recap:
Acts 15:40-41 “And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
I. Introduction To Timothy
Acts 16:1-2 “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: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.”
Timotheus - Also Timothy = "honoring God” Paul’s traveling companion and fellow laborer
Son of a certain woman - 2 Timothy 1:5 “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”
It would be well to mention the importance and influence that a mother and grandmother could have on their linage.
And believed - his mother was a Jewish woman, but a believer in Christ
His father was a Greek - a Gentile
Greek is also used to describe a person who practices the worship of the “god’s of the Greek nation.”
They worshiped these “gods” and attributed great power to their names and images.
Paul will address this in chapter 17
Well reported - This is an observation by others
Salvation is what God has given; “Christian” is what others see in our changed life.
In summery; Timothy along with his mother and grandmother were recognized for their faith in Christ.
II. Intervention For Timothy
Acts 16:3 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.
Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and a Greek father, making him Jewish by maternal lineage but uncircumcised due to his father’s Greek background.
In first-century Jewish society, an uncircumcised male—even one with a Jewish mother—could be seen as an outsider or apostate.
Paul recognized that Timothy’s lack of circumcision could hinder his acceptance among Jewish audiences and prevent him from entering synagogues to preach the gospel.
Paul did not circumcise every new male believer, that could lead some to believe that Paul was indoctrinating all new converts into Judaism.
This was not about salvation but about effective ministry and removing stumbling blocks.
III. Improvement In Timothy
Acts 16:4 “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.”
Timothy was already called a “disciple” which means a learner, pupil.
He did not come to take charge; but rather Timothy walked with Paul to learn.
Paul, Silas and now Timothy are traveling to different towns; visiting the churches established, and helping them to grow in the LORD.
IV. Increased With Timothy
Acts 16:5 “And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.”
There seems to be 2 different teachings today:
1. Numbers, numbers, numbers
2. Numbers do not matter
I believe there can be both
Reaching people with the Gospel message is our responsibility and with that will come growth.
Conclusion:
We are not through with Timothy; in fact we are just beginning.
Do you know Jesus as Saviour and LORD?
Paul and so many others gave their lives so the truth of the Gospel would be delivered, and that should affect us.
