Acts 16:1-5
1He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. 2The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3Paul 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. 4As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
What struck me from these passages was the wisdom of Paul. Although knowing circumcision is not a requirement for sanctification (big issue of the day... more in Titus), he himself circumcises young Timothy!
This reminds me of the issue about weather it was okay to eat the food from the temples... and it was said that the food was not what made us unclean... but, the wisdom was not to eat the food anyway because of how it might test others faith (and our witness to them). So, by circumcising Timothy, he can be more effective in the ministry to the Jews.
And what faith had Timothy in the leadership God had placed over him!
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4 comments:
Thank you Helen for the reflection of today's scripture reading. I think Timothy was the first one We see as 1/2 Jewish and 1/2 Gentile. With his background, I am sure He was able to reach out to both groups confidently and be helpful to paul in the ministry.
HOpe you are doing well!!
We keep you in our prayer!!!
Thank you, Helen!!!
This passage makes me think about how our culture really does shape the way we worship. Timothy was half Jew, half Greek, yet Paul had decided to have him be circumcised, which I didn't think was to appease the Jew but like everyone said, it was wise move on Paul's part.
I don't know where I'm going with this but this passage made me think was how our culture and social norms really do shape what we accept and disapprove when we worship, study the Word of God, and practice through our acts of service.
thanks helen for a most insightful reflection. i think paul's decision to have timothy circumcised "because of the jews who lived in the area" is so reflective of his heart for the gospel. he was willing to bend over backwards, make any accommodations necessary, become anyone and anything in order that some might be reached with the message of salvation. in doing so, paul demontrated in a very practical way the immense wideness of God's mercy.
Thanks everyone who shared your thoughts on this passage. I truly enjoyed and appreciate each different and interesting perspective.
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