Acts 16:3

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context of Acts 16:3

This verse introduces a pivotal moment early in Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul and Silas are traveling through Derbe and Lystra, where they encounter Timothy. Timothy is described as a disciple, highly esteemed by the believers in the region, whose mother was Jewish and a believer, but whose father was Greek. This mixed heritage meant that, according to Jewish custom, Timothy had not been circumcised. The decision to circumcise Timothy here might seem surprising, especially given the recent Jerusalem Council's ruling that Gentile believers were not required to be circumcised for salvation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Paul's Strategic Flexibility in Ministry: This act of circumcising Timothy demonstrates Paul's profound commitment to effective evangelism rather than rigid adherence to non-essential traditions. While Paul vehemently opposed circumcision as a requirement for salvation (as seen in Galatians 2:3-5, where he refused to circumcise Titus, a full Greek), he was willing to accommodate cultural practices when it served the gospel's advancement. This aligns with his principle of becoming "all things to all men" to win some.
  • Removing Stumbling Blocks for the Gospel: The primary reason for Timothy's circumcision was "because of the Jews which were in those quarters." Timothy's uncircumcised status, given his Jewish mother, would have been a significant barrier to ministry among Jewish communities. By circumcising him, Paul removed an unnecessary obstacle, preventing potential offense and allowing for greater receptivity to the message of Christ. This reflects Paul's broader teaching on not causing others to stumble in matters of conscience or tradition.
  • Preparation for Effective Ministry: Timothy's circumcision was not about his spiritual standing but about his practical suitability for ministry, particularly in synagogues and among Jewish people. This act prepared him to be a more effective companion and helper to Paul, enabling them to reach a broader audience. Timothy would go on to become one of Paul's most trusted and valuable fellow workers (Philippians 2:19-22).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "because of the Jews which were in those quarters" highlights the contextual and pragmatic nature of Paul's decision. The term "Greek" (Hellēn in Greek) in this context refers to someone of Gentile background, distinct from a "Jew." The fact that "they knew all that his father was a Greek" emphasizes the local community's awareness of Timothy's heritage, which would have made his uncircumcised status particularly conspicuous and problematic for Jewish audiences.

Practical Application

Acts 16:3 offers valuable lessons for believers today. It underscores the importance of distinguishing between core doctrines of faith (which are non-negotiable) and cultural or traditional practices (which can be flexible for the sake of the gospel). For effective evangelism and cross-cultural ministry, sensitivity to the local culture and audience is crucial. We are called to remove unnecessary barriers that might hinder people from hearing and accepting the Good News, without compromising the truth of the gospel itself. This verse encourages a spirit of adaptability and wisdom, prioritizing the mission of Christ above personal preferences or non-essential customs.

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.

  • 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:)

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back