Lesson 4666

(Lesson 4666)(11-12-24) 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.” 

 

   Today’s quote relates that Paul arrived in Derbe and Lystra, where he met a disciple named Timothy, whose mother was a Jewish believer and whose father was Greek. Timothy had a good reputation among the believers in the area, so Paul decided to take him along on his journey. To avoid offending the Jewish communities they would encounter, Paul had Timothy circumcised due to his mixed heritage. As they traveled, they delivered the decisions from the Jerusalem Council, which were well-received, strengthening the believers. The churches continued to grow in faith and increase in numbers daily. It is important to note that Paul, even though the council had not demanded it, to keep the peace between himself and the Jews, imposed circumcision upon Timothy. I believe that water baptism was imposed upon the early Christians in the same way, seeing that Jesus never demanded it. ~