Acts 16:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1161} came he {G2658} to {G1519} Derbe {G1191} and {G2532} Lystra {G3082}: and {G2532}, behold {G2400}, a certain {G5100} disciple {G3101} was {G2258} there {G1563}, named {G3686} Timotheus {G5095}, the son {G5207} of a certain {G5100} woman {G1135}, which was a Jewess {G2453}, and believed {G4103}; but {G1161} his father {G3962} was a Greek {G1672}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha’ul came down to Derbe and went on to Lystra, where there lived a talmid named Timothy. He was the son of a Jewish woman who had come to trust, and a Greek father.

Berean Standard Bible

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father.

American Standard Version

And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess that believed; but his father was a Greek.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:1 marks a pivotal moment in Paul's second missionary journey, introducing Timothy, a young disciple from Lystra. This verse highlights Timothy's unique background—the son of a Jewish mother who believed in Christ and a Greek father—setting the stage for his significant partnership with Paul and underscoring the early church's diverse composition and the gospel's universal reach to both Jew and Gentile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the resolution of the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, which led to their separation at the end of [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council and Paul's Second Journey Begins"). Paul, now accompanied by Silas, embarks on his second missionary journey, revisiting the churches established during his first journey. [Acts 16:1](/acts/16-1 "Acts 16:1 - Paul Meets Timothy") specifically details their arrival in Derbe and Lystra, cities previously evangelized by Paul and Barnabas ([Acts 14:6-7](/acts/14-6-7 "Acts 14:6-7 - Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Derbe")). The introduction of Timothy here is crucial, as he becomes a key figure in the narrative, joining Paul's missionary team and later becoming one of his most trusted associates, profoundly influencing the subsequent chapters of Acts and the Pauline epistles. His recruitment marks a strategic expansion of the missionary team and a significant development in the unfolding mission to the Gentile world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Derbe and Lystra were cities in the Roman province of Galatia, located in modern-day Turkey. During Paul's first visit to Lystra, he was [stoned and left for dead](/acts/14-19 "Acts 14:19 - Paul Stoned at Lystra") by hostile Jews, yet he courageously returns, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the fledgling communities of believers. The mention of Timothy's mixed heritage—a Jewish mother who was a believer and a Greek father—is highly significant. In the Hellenistic world, mixed marriages were common, but they presented complex identity issues, particularly within the nascent Christian community. The early church was actively grappling with how to integrate Jewish and Gentile converts, a major topic debated and addressed by the [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council") just prior to this journey. Timothy's background exemplifies the very challenge and opportunity the church faced in bridging these cultural and religious divides, as his uncircumcised status due to his Greek father would become a practical consideration for Paul's ministry to Jews.
* **Key Themes:** [Acts 16:1](/acts/16-1 "Acts 16:1 - Paul Meets Timothy") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **mentorship and discipleship**, as Paul identifies and recruits Timothy, demonstrating the importance of raising up new leaders for the burgeoning church. This act of spiritual investment is foundational for the ongoing spread of the gospel. Secondly, Timothy's mixed heritage powerfully illustrates the **inclusivity and universal appeal of the Gospel**, which transcends ethnic, cultural, and social boundaries, uniting diverse people into one body in Christ, a concept central to Paul's theology as articulated in passages like [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ"). Finally, the verse subtly emphasizes the **importance of faithful generations**, as Timothy's mother, a Jewish believer, likely played a crucial role in his spiritual upbringing, echoing the commendation Paul later gives in [2 Timothy 1:5](/2_timothy/1-5 "2 Timothy 1:5 - Timothy's Unfeigned Faith"), highlighting the enduring impact of a faithful parent in passing on the faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciple (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to learn," this term signifies a learner or pupil. In the New Testament, it refers to a follower of Jesus Christ, one who adheres to His teachings and way of life. Timothy was already a believer and a follower of Christ, indicating that Paul was not converting him but rather recognizing and enlisting an existing follower for ministry. His reputation among the local believers ([Acts 16:2](/acts/16-2 "Acts 16:2 - Timothy's Good Report")) suggests his commitment and spiritual maturity.
* **Jewess (Greek, _Ioudaîos'_):** This term denotes a female individual belonging to the Jewish people or of Judean origin. The specification that Timothy's mother was a "Jewess" is crucial for understanding his religious and cultural background, particularly in light of the debates surrounding circumcision and Gentile inclusion in the early church. Her belief in Christ further distinguishes her as a Jewish Christian, highlighting the continuity of God's covenant people embracing the Messiah.
* **Greek (Greek, _Héllēn'_):** This word refers to a Hellen, an inhabitant of Hellas (Greece), or more broadly, a Greek-speaking person, often used to distinguish non-Jews. Timothy's father being a "Greek" highlights the mixed heritage of Timothy, representing the convergence of Jewish and Gentile worlds within the early Christian community and setting the stage for Paul's pragmatic decision regarding Timothy's circumcision in [Acts 16:3](/acts/16-3 "Acts 16:3 - Timothy's Circumcision"). This detail underscores the early church's composition as a diverse body, transcending traditional ethnic boundaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then came he to Derbe and Lystra:"** This phrase marks the continuation of Paul's second missionary journey, following his separation from Barnabas. "He" refers to Paul, accompanied by Silas. Their arrival in Derbe and Lystra, cities previously visited and where churches were established during Paul's first journey, signifies his commitment to strengthening existing believers and revisiting areas of prior evangelistic effort, demonstrating pastoral care and perseverance despite past persecution in Lystra.
* **"and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus,"** The interjection "behold" (Greek: _idoú_) draws attention to a significant discovery or encounter, signaling the reader to pay close attention. It introduces Timotheus (Timothy), who is identified as "a certain disciple," meaning he was already a follower of Christ. This indicates Timothy's existing faith and readiness for ministry, rather than a new conversion, and suggests he was part of the community of believers Paul had previously established or nurtured.
* **"the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed;"** This clause provides crucial information about Timothy's maternal lineage and spiritual heritage. His mother was Jewish, connecting him to the covenant people of Israel. The additional detail that she "believed" (in Christ) underscores her Christian faith, implying she had likely been converted during Paul's first visit or through other evangelistic efforts, and had nurtured Timothy in the faith, as later confirmed in [2 Timothy 1:5](/2_timothy/1-5 "2 Timothy 1:5 - Timothy's Unfeigned Faith").
* **"but his father [was] a Greek:"** This final clause completes the picture of Timothy's mixed parentage. His father's Gentile background meant Timothy was not circumcised according to Jewish law, despite his Jewish mother, as Jewish law typically traced lineage through the mother but circumcision was a paternal responsibility. This mixed heritage, particularly the uncircumcised status due to his Greek father, becomes a point of strategic consideration for Paul in the subsequent verse, highlighting the practical challenges and theological implications of Jewish-Gentile relations in the early church.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in [Acts 16:1](/acts/16-1 "Acts 16:1 - Paul Meets Timothy") to introduce Timothy and set the stage for his importance. The use of **"behold"** (Greek: _idoú_) serves as an attention-grabbing interjection, signaling to the reader that a significant character or event is about to be introduced. This device creates a sense of immediacy and highlights the providential nature of Paul's encounter with Timothy. Furthermore, Luke utilizes **Juxtaposition** by explicitly stating the contrasting ethnic and religious backgrounds of Timothy's parents: a "Jewess, and believed" mother versus a "Greek" father. This contrast immediately brings to the forefront the central tension and triumph of the early church—the integration of Jewish and Gentile believers, a theme extensively explored in Acts. This detailed familial description also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the practical and theological complexities that will arise concerning Timothy's status and Paul's subsequent decision to circumcise him, all for the sake of the gospel's advancement among both Jews and Gentiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:1 serves as a foundational text for understanding the dynamics of early Christian mission and community. The introduction of Timothy, a young man of mixed heritage, powerfully illustrates the gospel's ability to transcend cultural and ethnic barriers, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds into one body in Christ. This verse subtly reinforces the theological truth that God uses ordinary individuals, often with complex backgrounds, for extraordinary purposes in His kingdom. Timothy's existing faith, nurtured by his believing mother, also highlights the importance of spiritual heritage and faithful parenting in raising up the next generation of Christian leaders. The encounter is not accidental but divinely orchestrated, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in connecting individuals for the advancement of His redemptive plan, ensuring the continued spread of the message of salvation.

* [2 Timothy 1:5](/2_timothy/1-5 "2 Timothy 1:5 - Timothy's Unfeigned Faith"): Paul commends Timothy's "unfeigned faith" that dwelt first in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, underscoring the spiritual legacy and the impact of faithful family members in nurturing belief.
* [1 Corinthians 9:20-23](/1_corinthians/9-20-23 "1 Corinthians 9:20-23 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People"): Paul's willingness to adapt his approach for the sake of the gospel, becoming "all things to all men," is exemplified in his strategic decision regarding Timothy's circumcision in the subsequent verses of Acts 16, reflecting the principle of contextualization for effective evangelism.
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ"): This theological statement perfectly encapsulates the inclusivity demonstrated by Timothy's background, affirming that in Christ, ethnic distinctions like "Jew or Greek" are overcome, uniting believers in a new spiritual identity and common purpose.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The introduction of Timothy in Acts 16:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. His story underscores the enduring value of spiritual mentorship, challenging us to both seek out wise guides in our faith journey and to intentionally invest in the spiritual development of others, just as Paul did with Timothy. This intentional discipleship is vital for the health and growth of the church today. Furthermore, Timothy's mixed heritage serves as a powerful reminder of the gospel's radical inclusivity. In a world often divided by ethnicity, culture, or background, the church is called to be a welcoming and unifying community, reflecting Christ's embrace of all people, breaking down barriers and fostering genuine fellowship. Finally, the verse subtly highlights the quiet yet profound impact of faithful parenting and intergenerational faith. Timothy's mother, a believing Jewess, likely laid the spiritual groundwork for his future ministry, reminding us of the immense privilege and responsibility of nurturing faith within our homes and families, preparing individuals to be available for God's call and service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who are the "Timothys" in your life whom you can mentor and invest in spiritually, helping them grow in their faith and prepare for service?**
* **How does your church community actively demonstrate the inclusivity of the gospel, intentionally welcoming and embracing people from all diverse backgrounds?**
* **What steps can you take to intentionally foster a legacy of faith within your family or spiritual community, ensuring that the next generation is grounded in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why was Timothy's mixed heritage specifically mentioned by Luke?**

Answer: Luke's detailed mention of Timothy's mixed heritage—a Jewish mother who believed and a Greek father—is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the complex social and religious landscape of the early church, which was actively navigating the integration of Jewish and Gentile converts. This was a major issue addressed by the [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council") just before Paul's journey. Secondly, Timothy's background sets the stage for Paul's pragmatic decision in [Acts 16:3](/acts/16-3 "Acts 16:3 - Timothy's Circumcision") to circumcise Timothy. Although Timothy was already a believer, his uncircumcised status due to his Greek father could have been a stumbling block for Jewish audiences whom Paul intended to reach. By noting his mixed background, Luke emphasizes the strategic and theological considerations involved in Paul's missionary approach, demonstrating his willingness to adapt for the sake of the gospel's wider acceptance among both Jewish and Gentile communities.

**What was the significance of Timothy being a "disciple" before Paul met him?**

Answer: The text explicitly states that Timothy was "a certain disciple" when Paul encountered him in Lystra. This signifies that Timothy was already a follower of Christ, a believer who had likely come to faith during Paul's first missionary journey to the region ([Acts 14:6-7](/acts/14-6-7 "Acts 14:6-7 - Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Derbe")) or through the influence of his believing mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois ([2 Timothy 1:5](/2_timothy/1-5 "2 Timothy 1:5 - Timothy's Unfeigned Faith")). This detail is significant because it indicates Paul was not converting Timothy, but rather recognizing and recruiting an existing, faithful believer for ministry. It underscores the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in raising up leaders from within the local church communities and highlights the importance of identifying and empowering those who are already committed followers of Christ for greater service within the Kingdom of God.

**How did Timothy's background reflect the challenges and opportunities of the early church?**

Answer: Timothy's background, with a Jewish Christian mother and a Greek father, perfectly encapsulated the challenges and opportunities facing the early church. The challenge lay in bridging the deep cultural and theological divides between Judaism and Hellenism, particularly concerning practices like circumcision and dietary laws. The [Jerusalem Council in Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council") had just affirmed that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised to be saved, but practical considerations for ministry among Jews remained. Timothy's mixed heritage, especially his uncircumcised status, presented a potential obstacle to his effectiveness among Jewish communities. However, his background also represented an immense opportunity: he could serve as a bridge, relatable to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. Paul's decision to circumcise Timothy, though not for salvation, was a strategic move to remove a potential stumbling block for Jewish hearers, demonstrating the church's flexibility and commitment to reaching all people with the gospel ([1 Corinthians 9:20-23](/1_corinthians/9-20-23 "1 Corinthians 9:20-23 - Paul Becomes All Things to All People")). Timothy thus became a living embodiment of the gospel's power to unite diverse peoples under Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 16:1 primarily introduces a key figure in early church history, Timothy's story inherently points to Christ in its demonstration of the gospel's transformative and unifying power. Timothy, a "disciple" already, exemplifies those who have responded to the call of Christ, becoming a learner and follower of the Lord, reflecting the universal invitation of Jesus to "come, follow me" ([Matthew 4:19](/matthew/4-19 "Matthew 4:19 - Jesus Calls Disciples")). His mixed heritage, with a Jewish mother and a Greek father, powerfully foreshadows the breaking down of dividing walls between Jew and Gentile, a central theme of Christ's redemptive work. As [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace") declares, Christ "is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us... for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace." Timothy's inclusion in Paul's ministry team, despite his uncircumcised status (which Paul later strategically addresses for the sake of the gospel, not salvation), illustrates the radical inclusivity of the new covenant established through Jesus. In Christ, distinctions that once separated people are rendered secondary to the new identity found in Him ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female in Christ")). Timothy's life and ministry, nurtured by a believing mother and then mentored by Paul, become a testament to the fact that Christ calls and equips individuals from all backgrounds to participate in His mission, demonstrating the universal reach of His saving grace and the unity of the body of Christ established through His sacrifice ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All, and in All")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

1 Thessalonians 3:2

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

Acts 17:14

And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

1 Timothy 1:2

Unto Timothy, [my] own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Acts 18:5

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.

1 Corinthians 4:17

¶ For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

2 Timothy 1:2

To Timothy, [my] dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.