Acts 16:1

¶ 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:

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}:

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.

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.

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.

Acts 16:1 introduces a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey, marking the beginning of a significant partnership that would shape the early Christian church. Having departed from Antioch after the separation from Barnabas, Paul revisits the regions where he had previously established churches, strengthening the disciples.

Historical and Cultural Context

Paul's journey brings him back to Derbe and Lystra, cities in the Roman province of Galatia (modern-day Turkey) that he had evangelized during his first missionary trip. Lystra holds particular significance, as it was here that Paul was stoned and left for dead by hostile Jews from Antioch and Iconium. Despite such persecution, Paul demonstrates his unwavering commitment to revisit and nurture the fledgling communities of believers.

It is in Lystra that Paul encounters Timotheus, or Timothy, who would become one of his most trusted companions and protégés. Timothy's background is explicitly detailed: his mother was a Jewish believer, while his father was a Greek. This mixed heritage was common in the Hellenistic world but presented unique challenges and opportunities within the context of the early church, which was grappling with the integration of Jewish and Gentile converts, a major topic addressed by the Jerusalem Council.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Mentorship and Discipleship: This verse marks the beginning of Paul's profound mentorship of Timothy. Paul, an experienced apostle, recognizes Timothy's potential and invites him to join the missionary team. This highlights the importance of spiritual guidance and the raising up of new leaders in the church.
  • Inclusivity of the Gospel: Timothy's mixed Jewish-Greek heritage powerfully illustrates the universal appeal and embrace of the Christian message. The gospel transcends ethnic, cultural, and social boundaries, uniting people from diverse backgrounds into one body in Christ.
  • Divine Providence: Paul's decision to revisit Lystra is not accidental; it is part of God's plan to bring Timothy into ministry. God orchestrates events and connections for the advancement of His kingdom.
  • Faithful Generations: Timothy's mother, a Jewish believer, likely played a crucial role in his spiritual upbringing, demonstrating the enduring impact of a faithful parent in passing on the faith. This is further emphasized in 2 Timothy 1:5, where Paul commends Timothy's "unfeigned faith" that dwelt first in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice.

Linguistic Insights

The name Timotheus (Greek: Timotheos) means "honoring God" or "honored by God," a fitting name for someone who would dedicate his life to serving Christ alongside Paul. The term "disciple" (Greek: mathetes) signifies that Timothy was already a follower of Christ, indicating that Paul was not converting him but rather enlisting a fellow believer for ministry.

Practical Application

Acts 16:1 offers several timeless applications for believers today:

  • Seek and Offer Mentorship: Just as Paul invested in Timothy, we are called to both seek out spiritual mentors and to mentor others, helping them grow in their faith and ministry.
  • Embrace Diversity: The early church, as seen in Timothy's background, was a diverse community. Believers should strive to be inclusive, welcoming all people regardless of their background, as the gospel is for everyone.
  • Faithful Parenting: The verse subtly underscores the importance of parents, particularly mothers, in nurturing faith in their children. A strong foundation of faith laid at home can prepare individuals for significant service to God.
  • Availability for Service: Timothy was a "disciple" in Lystra, ready to be called upon. Believers should remain open and available for God to use them in unexpected ways for His purposes. Paul's subsequent decision to have Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3) further illustrates the willingness to adapt and make strategic choices for the sake of the gospel's advancement.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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