Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. (ESV)

Timothy had a good reputation, and this is a priceless thing. Proverbs 22:1 says, ”A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favour is better than silver or gold.”

‘Timothy replaced John Mark and became a true son in the faith to Paul. God has the right person ready at the right time, so be patient.’ Warren W. Wiersbe

It is important for us to understand that Timothy’s circumcision was not about his salvation, but was rather, as someone put it, ‘cultural sensitivity for the sake of evangelism.’ It’s an example of Paul’s clearly stated principle, ”For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. 23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

We further note here that the wise decision of the Jerusalem council, wisely and sensitively communicated, led to church growth in both depth and numbers (5).

PRAYER: Lord, please give us your wisdom in our dealings with all people, that we may put no unnecessary obstacles in their road to faith in Jesus.