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Commentary on Acts 16 verses 1–5
Paul was a spiritual father, and as such a one we have him here adopting Timothy, and taking care of the education of many others who had been begotten to Christ by his ministry: and in all he appears to have been a wise and tender father. Here is,
I. His taking Timothy into his acquaintance and under his tuition. One thing designed in the book of the Acts is to help us to understand Paul's epistles, two of which are directed to Timothy; it was therefore necessary that in the history of Paul we should have some account concerning him. And we are here accordingly told, 1. That he was a disciple, one that belonged to Christ, and was baptized, probably in his infancy, when his mother became a believer, as Lydia's household was baptized upon her believing, Act 16:15. Him, that was a disciple of Christ, Paul took to be his disciple, that he might further train him up in the knowledge and faith of Christ; he took him to be brought up for Christ. 2. That his mother was a Jewess originally, but believed in Christ; her name was Eunice, his grandmother's name was Lois. Paul speaks of them both with great respect, as women of eminent virtue and piety, and commends them especially for their unfeigned faith (Ti2 1:5), their sincerely embracing and adhering to the doctrine of Christ. 3. That his father was a Greek, a Gentile. The marriage of a Jewish woman to a Gentile husband (though some would make a difference) was prohibited as much as the marriage of a Jewish man to a Gentile wife, Deu 7:3. Thou shalt no more give thy daughter to his son than take his daughter to thy son; yet this seems to have been limited to the nations that lived among them in Canaan, whom they were most in danger of infection from. Now because his father was a Greek he was not circumcised: for the entail of the covenant and the seal of it, as of other entails in that nation, went by the father, not by the mother; so that his father being no Jew he was not obliged to circumcision, nor entitled to it, unless when he grew up he did himself desire it. But, observe, though his mother could not prevail to have him circumcised in his infancy, because his father was of another mind and way, yet she educated him in the fear of God, that though he wanted the sign of the covenant he might not want the thing signified. 4. That he had gained a very good character among the Christians: he was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium; he had not only an unblemished reputation, and was free from scandal, but he had a bright reputation, and great encomiums were given of him, as an extraordinary young man, and one from whom great things were expected. Not only those in the place where he was born, but those in the neighbouring cities, admired him, and spoke honourably of him. He had a name for good things with good people. 5. That Paul would have him to go forth with him, to accompany him, to give attendance on him, to receive instruction from him, and to join with him in the work of the gospel - to preach for him when there was occasion, and to be left behind in places where he had planted churches. Paul had a great love for him, not only because he was an ingenious young man, and one of great parts, but because he was a serious young man, and one of devout affections: for Paul was always mindful of his tears, Ti2 1:4. 6. That Paul took him and circumcised him, or ordered it to be done. This was strange. Had not Paul opposed those with all his might that were for imposing circumcision upon the Gentile converts? Had he not at this time the decrees of the council at Jerusalem with him, which witnessed against it? He had, and yet circumcised Timothy, not, as those teachers designed in imposing circumcision, to oblige him to keep the ceremonial law, but only to render his conversation and ministry passable, and, if it might be, acceptable among the Jews that abounded in those quarters. He knew Timothy was a man likely to do a great deal of good among them, being admirably qualified for the ministry, if they were not invincibly prejudiced against him; and therefore, that they might not shun him as one unclean, because uncircumcised, he took him and circumcised him. Thus to the Jews he became as a Jew, that he might gain the Jews, and all things to all men, that he might gain some. He was against those who made circumcision necessary to salvation, but used it himself when it was conducive to edification; nor was he rigid in opposing it, as they were in imposing it. Thus, though he went not in this instance according to the letter of the decree, he went according to the spirit of it, which was a spirit of tenderness towards the Jews, and willingness to bring them off gradually from their prejudices. Paul made no difficulty of taking Timothy to be his companion, though he was uncircumcised; but the Jews would not hear him if he were, and therefore Paul will humour them herein. It is probable that it was at this time that Paul laid his hands on Timothy, for the conferring of the gift of the Holy Ghost upon him, Ti2 1:6.
II. His confirming the churches which he had planted (Act 16:4, Act 16:5): He went through the cities where he had preached the word of the Lord, as he intended (Act 15:36), to enquire into their state. And we are told,
1.That they delivered them copies of the decrees of the Jerusalem synod, to be a direction to them in the government of themselves, and that they might have wherewith to answer the judaizing teachers, and to justify themselves in adhering to the liberty with which Christ had made them free. All the churches were concerned in that decree, and therefore it was requisite they should all have it well attested. Though Paul had for a particular reason circumcised Timothy, yet he would not have that drawn into a precedent; and therefore he delivered the decrees to the churches, to be religiously observed; for they must abide by the rule, and not be drawn from it by a particular example.
2.That this was of very good service to them. (1.) The churches were hereby established in the faith, Act 16:5. They were confirmed particularly in their opinion against the imposing of the ceremonial law upon the Gentiles; the great assurance and heat wherewith the judaizing teachers pressed the necessity of circumcision, and the plausible arguments they produced for it, had shocked them, so that they began to waver concerning it. But when they saw the testimony, not only of the apostles and elders, but of the Holy Ghost in them, against it, they were established, and did not longer waver about it. Note, Testimonies to truth, though they may not prevail to convince those that oppose it, may be of very good use to establish those that are in doubt concerning it, and to fix them. Nay, the design of this decree being to set aside the ceremonial law, and the carnal ordinances of that, they were by it established in the Christian faith in general, and were the more firmly assured that it was of God, because it set up a spiritual way of serving God, as more suited to the nature both of God and man; and, besides, that spirit of tenderness and condescension which appeared in these letters plainly showed that the apostles and elders were herein under the guidance of him who is love itself. (2.) They increased in number daily. The imposing of the yoke of the ceremonial law upon their converts was enough to frighten people from them. If they had been disposed to turn Jews, they could have done that long since, before the apostles came among them; but, if they cannot be interested in the Christian privileges without submitting to the Jews' yoke, they will be as they are. But, if they find there is no danger of their being so enslaved, they are ready to embrace Christianity, and join themselves to the church. And thus the church increased in numbers daily; not a day passed but some or other gave up their names to Christ. And it is a joy to those who heartily wish well to the honour of Christ, and the welfare of the church and the souls of men, to see such an increase.
"And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the Apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the Churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily." Dost thou mark fighting, and by fighting, edification? Not warred upon by others, but themselves doing contrary things, so they edified the Church! They introduced a decree not to circumcise, and he circumcises! "And so were the Churches," it says, "established in the faith," and in multitude: "increased," it says, "in number daily." Then he does not continue to tarry with these, as having come to visit them: but how? he goes further.
"And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep." For until then, there was no need for the Gentiles to keep any such. The beginning of the abrogation was the Gentiles' not keeping these things, and being none the worse for it: nor having any inferiority in respect of faith: anon, of their own will they abandoned the Law. "And so were the Churches established in the faith." Do you mark here also how from going counter (to his own object) a great good results? "And increased in number daily." Do you observe, that the circumcising not only did no harm, but was even of the greatest service?
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SUMMARY
Acts 16:5 succinctly captures the flourishing state of the nascent Christian communities during Paul's second missionary journey, serving as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of the apostolic ministry and the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit. This verse highlights a dual flourishing: the qualitative deepening of believers' convictions and the quantitative expansion of their numbers, underscoring the dynamic growth of the early church following the pivotal Jerusalem Council.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Acts 16:5 employs Parallelism and Complementary Pairing to convey a holistic picture of the early church's vitality. The verse juxtaposes "established in the faith" with "increased in number daily," presenting two distinct yet interconnected aspects of growth. This pairing highlights that true spiritual health encompasses both internal stability (qualitative depth) and external expansion (quantitative breadth). The "daily" aspect functions as an Emphasis or even a mild Hyperbole, underscoring the remarkable and consistent pace of the church's growth, suggesting a divinely sustained momentum that was continually adding new believers.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:5 powerfully illustrates the divine dynamism of the early church, demonstrating that authentic spiritual vitality manifests in both internal strength and external expansion. The establishment "in the faith" speaks to the critical importance of sound doctrine, discipleship, and a firm theological foundation for believers. This qualitative grounding prevents spiritual instability and ensures that growth is not merely superficial. Concurrently, the "daily" increase in numbers underscores the missional imperative of the church, reflecting God's desire for all people to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. This dual emphasis reveals God's strategy for kingdom advancement: a deeply rooted, unified, and Spirit-empowered community that actively proclaims the Gospel, resulting in continuous transformation and multiplication. The verse serves as a model for healthy church growth, where depth of faith fuels breadth of outreach, all under the sovereign hand of God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:5 offers profound insights for believers and churches today, reminding us that true spiritual flourishing is a multifaceted reality. It challenges us to pursue a balanced approach to Christian life and ministry, prioritizing both the deepening of our faith and the expansion of God's kingdom. Just as the early churches were "established in the faith," we are called to be rooted in sound biblical doctrine, growing in our understanding of God's Word and in our personal relationship with Christ. This involves consistent discipleship, theological education, and a commitment to living out our convictions. Simultaneously, the "daily" increase in numbers serves as a powerful reminder of our ongoing responsibility to share the Gospel. Our spiritual stability should propel us outward, compelling us to engage in evangelism and mission, trusting that God will add to our number as we faithfully proclaim His truth. A healthy church, therefore, is one that is robust in its faith and vibrant in its outreach, reflecting the Spirit's work in both consolidation and multiplication.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "established in the faith" specifically mean for the early churches?
Answer: "Established in the faith" means that these early Christian communities were becoming firmly rooted and strengthened in their understanding and commitment to the core doctrines of Christianity. This wasn't just about initial conversion but a process of spiritual maturity, where believers were discipled in the teachings of the apostles, understood the implications of the Gospel, and developed a steadfast conviction in Christ. It implies a qualitative growth, where their beliefs were solid and unshakeable, providing a strong foundation against false teaching or persecution, as seen in the emphasis on sound teaching throughout the New Testament, such as in Ephesians 4:14.
How did the Jerusalem Council's decision (Acts 15) contribute to the growth described in Acts 16:5?
Answer: The Jerusalem Council's decision, detailed in Acts 15, was pivotal because it clarified that Gentile believers did not need to be circumcised or fully adhere to the Mosaic Law to be saved. This removed a significant barrier to entry for non-Jews, making the Gospel more accessible and universal. By providing theological clarity and unity on this crucial issue, the Council's decrees brought stability and confidence to the churches, allowing them to focus on evangelism and discipleship without internal strife. This unity and clear message directly contributed to the churches being "established in the faith" and subsequently "increased in number daily," as the path to salvation became clear and unburdened by unnecessary legalistic requirements.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:5, depicting the church's establishment in faith and daily increase, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "faith" in which the churches were established is fundamentally faith in Christ—His atoning sacrifice, His resurrection, and His Lordship. He is the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), the very foundation upon which the church is built (1 Corinthians 3:11). The growth described is not merely organizational expansion but the organic multiplication of those who are being added to Christ's body, the church, which He Himself promised to build (Matthew 16:18). The daily increase is a testament to the ongoing fulfillment of the Great Commission, given by Christ to His disciples, to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19-20). Thus, Acts 16:5 is a snapshot of Christ's active work through His Spirit, continually strengthening His people and expanding His kingdom on earth, drawing all people to Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).