Acts 16:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Him {G5126} would {G2309} Paul {G3972} have to go forth {G1831} with {G4862} him {G846}; and {G2532} took {G2983} and circumcised {G4059} him {G846} because {G1223} of the Jews {G2453} which {G3588} were {G5607} in {G1722} those {G1565} quarters {G5117}: for {G1063} they knew {G1492} all {G537} that {G3754} his {G846} father {G3962} was {G5225} a Greek {G1672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Sha’ul wanted Timothy to accompany him; so he took him and did a b’rit-milah, because of the Jews living in those areas; for they all knew that his father had been a Greek.

Berean Standard Bible

Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

American Standard Version

Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:3 recounts Paul's decision to circumcise Timothy, a young disciple with a Jewish mother and Greek father, before taking him on his second missionary journey. This seemingly paradoxical act, especially in light of the recent Jerusalem Council's ruling against requiring Gentile circumcision for salvation, was a strategic move by Paul. It aimed to remove a significant cultural and religious stumbling block for ministry among Jewish communities in the regions they intended to visit, demonstrating Paul's profound commitment to contextual sensitivity and the advancement of the gospel above personal preference or non-essential traditions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of Paul's second missionary journey, immediately after the significant theological debate and resolution at the [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council") concerning Gentile circumcision and salvation. Paul and Silas have just departed from Antioch, retracing some of Paul's earlier steps. They arrive in Derbe and Lystra, where Paul had previously ministered. It is in Lystra that Timothy is introduced, described as a respected disciple with a mixed heritage. The narrative flow highlights Paul's strategic planning for his missionary endeavors, including the selection and preparation of his companions for effective outreach, particularly to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. The decision regarding Timothy is presented as a pragmatic choice for the sake of the mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century, Jewish identity was inextricably linked to the covenant sign of circumcision, established with Abraham in [Genesis 17:9-14](/genesis/17-9-14 "Genesis 17:9-14 - The Covenant of Circumcision"). While the Jerusalem Council had affirmed that Gentile believers were not required to be circumcised for salvation ([Acts 15:19-21](/acts/15-19-21 "Acts 15:19-21 - Jerusalem Council's Decision")), Timothy's case was unique. As the son of a Jewish mother, he was considered Jewish by rabbinic law, even though his Greek father meant he had not been circumcised. For Timothy to minister effectively in synagogues or among observant Jewish communities, his uncircumcised status would have been a significant barrier, potentially discrediting his message or causing offense. The "Jews which were in those quarters" refers to the local Jewish populations in the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, who would have been aware of Timothy's background and his uncircumcised state.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 16:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and Paul's broader ministry. It powerfully illustrates **Paul's missional pragmatism and strategic flexibility**, demonstrating his willingness to adapt non-essential practices for the sake of the gospel's advancement, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Paul's Principle of Adaptation"). This act was not about theological compromise but about **removing unnecessary stumbling blocks** for evangelism, particularly among Jewish audiences who would have been alienated by an uncircumcised Jewish man. It also underscores the theme of **discipleship and preparation for ministry**, as Timothy is being equipped to serve as Paul's trusted companion, a role he would fulfill faithfully throughout Paul's ministry ([Philippians 2:19-22](/philippians/2-19-22 "Philippians 2:19-22 - Paul's Commendation of Timothy")). The verse highlights the tension and navigation required in the early church between core theological truths and cultural sensitivities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **because (Greek, _diá'_):** This preposition denotes the channel or reason for an act. Here, it explicitly states the causal link between Paul's action and the presence of the Jews. It highlights that the circumcision was not for Timothy's salvation or spiritual standing, but "by reason of" or "on account of" the specific circumstances related to the Jewish communities.
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, primarily meaning "to see," carries the implication of "to know" in its perfect tense. It signifies a settled, established knowledge or awareness. The text emphasizes that the local Jewish population "knew all" about Timothy's heritage, indicating a widespread and certain understanding of his uncircumcised status due to his Greek father. This public knowledge made his status a potential obstacle to ministry.
* **Greek (Greek, _Héllēn'_):** This term refers to an inhabitant of Hellas or, by extension, a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew. In this context, it clearly distinguishes Timothy's father as a Gentile, emphasizing the mixed heritage that created the unique situation requiring Paul's strategic decision. It underscores the cultural and ethnic distinction that was significant to the Jewish communities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Him would Paul have to go forth with him;":** This clause reveals Paul's desire and intention for Timothy to accompany him on his missionary journey. Paul recognized Timothy's potential and saw him as a valuable asset for the work of the gospel, indicating a deliberate choice to include him in the apostolic team.
* **"and took and circumcised him":** This is the central action of the verse. Paul personally oversaw or performed the circumcision of Timothy. This act was a decisive and public step, demonstrating Paul's willingness to engage in a practice he had previously argued against as a requirement for Gentile believers, but here undertook for pragmatic, missional reasons.
* **"because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.":** This explanatory clause provides the explicit rationale for Paul's action. The circumcision was performed "because of" (or "on account of") the local Jewish communities. Their awareness that Timothy's father was Greek meant they knew he was uncircumcised, despite his Jewish mother. This knowledge would have made him unacceptable in Jewish synagogues and homes, thus hindering the gospel's reception among them. Paul's action removed this specific cultural barrier.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Explanatory Narration**, where the author, Luke, provides a direct explanation for Paul's seemingly contradictory action. The phrase "because of the Jews... for they knew all that his father was a Greek" functions as a clear **Causal Link**, directly connecting Paul's decision to the specific circumstances and the anticipated reaction of the Jewish communities. This narrative technique ensures the reader understands the pragmatic, rather than theological, motivation behind the circumcision. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** or **Paradox** in Paul, the champion of Gentile freedom from the Law, performing a circumcision. This highlights his consistent principle of becoming "all things to all people" ([1 Corinthians 9:22](/1_corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Paul's Principle of Adaptation")) for the sake of the gospel, even if it meant temporarily adopting a practice he otherwise opposed as a requirement for salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:3 offers a profound theological lesson on the distinction between essential doctrines and flexible cultural practices in ministry. Paul's decision was not a theological concession regarding salvation by grace through faith, but a strategic adaptation to remove a cultural barrier to the gospel. It underscores the principle that while the core message of Christ is non-negotiable, the methods of its proclamation can and should be adaptable to the audience and context. This demonstrates a deep wisdom in discerning what truly hinders the gospel versus what is merely a matter of tradition or preference, prioritizing the mission of reaching people with the truth of Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "Paul's Principle of Adaptation")
* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")
* [Galatians 5:1-6](/galatians/5-1-6 "Galatians 5:1-6 - Freedom in Christ, Not Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:3 challenges believers today to cultivate a similar spirit of wisdom and adaptability in their witness and ministry. It compels us to critically evaluate our own traditions, preferences, and cultural norms, asking whether they genuinely serve the advancement of the gospel or inadvertently create unnecessary barriers. Are we willing to set aside non-essential practices or embrace unfamiliar ones if it means more effectively reaching those who need to hear about Christ? This verse encourages us to be discerning, recognizing the difference between compromising the truth of the gospel and being flexible in its presentation. It calls for a missional mindset that prioritizes the salvation of souls above personal comfort or cultural rigidity, always seeking to remove stumbling blocks so that the message of Jesus can be heard clearly and received openly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What cultural or traditional practices in my own context might be hindering the gospel's reception, and how can I, like Paul, strategically address them without compromising truth?**
* **How can I discern between core, non-negotiable doctrines of faith and flexible, adaptable practices in my personal witness and church ministry?**
* **In what ways can I become "all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:22) to effectively share the Good News, without sacrificing biblical integrity?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul circumcise Timothy when the Jerusalem Council had just ruled against requiring circumcision for Gentiles?**

Answer: Paul's decision to circumcise Timothy was a strategic, missional act, not a theological reversal. The [Jerusalem Council](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council") had affirmed that Gentile believers were saved by grace through faith and did not need to be circumcised. Timothy, however, was unique: his mother was Jewish, making him Jewish according to Jewish law, even though his father was Greek. For Timothy to effectively minister among Jewish communities and in synagogues, his uncircumcised status would have been a significant barrier and cause for offense, as "they knew all that his father was a Greek." Paul circumcised him to remove this cultural stumbling block, enabling Timothy to gain access and credibility with Jewish audiences, thereby facilitating the spread of the gospel. This aligns with Paul's principle of becoming "all things to all people" to win some ([1 Corinthians 9:19-23](/1_corinthians/9-19-23 "1 Corinthians 9:19-23 - Paul's Principle of Adaptation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's strategic decision to circumcise Timothy, though seemingly contradictory to his staunch defense of Gentile freedom from the Law, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate flexibility and self-sacrifice of Jesus Himself. Christ, though fully divine, "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")), becoming a Jew under the Law to redeem those under the Law ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Galatians 4:4-5 - Christ Born Under the Law")). He did not cling to His divine prerogatives but adapted to human limitations, even to the point of death on a cross, to accomplish salvation. Paul's action with Timothy mirrors this divine condescension and adaptability for the sake of the mission. It demonstrates that the gospel, centered on Christ's atoning work, transcends cultural and ceremonial boundaries. The true "circumcision" is now of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter ([Romans 2:29](/romans/2-29 "Romans 2:29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")), a spiritual transformation brought about by faith in Christ. Thus, Paul's pragmatic act ultimately points to the supreme example of Christ, who removed the ultimate barrier of sin through His sacrifice, making a way for all, Jew and Gentile, to be reconciled to God.

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

Galatians 2:3

But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

1 Corinthians 9:20

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Galatians 5:1

¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:3

For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

1 Corinthians 7:19

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Galatians 2:8

(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)