Paul did what to Timothy?

Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. Acts 16:1-3

Paul did what to Timothy? You read it right. Paul circumcised Timothy. But why?

A little background: Timothy had a Jewish mother but a Gentile father. Had Timothy been the son of two Gentiles this likely would not have taken place, but because he had a Jewish mother, tradition demanded that he have the sign of the covenant: circumcision.

But didn’t the Jerusalem council say this was not necessary? Yes, it did. So why then did Paul and Timothy do this? It was a concession so as not to offend the Jewish believers who would have said that Timothy was not a devout Jew before being converted to Christ, evidenced by not having been circumcised.

You and I would likely have said those Jews who were offended were the ones with the problem (not Timothy), and we would be right! So why did Paul and Timothy take this radical step? Because they were more concerned not to give offense, and thereby hinder the gospel ministry, than they were about their “rights,” and Timothy’s comfort. Did they have to do this? No, but they were willing as a sacrifice for the sake of the furtherance of the Kingdom of God.

Praise God this specific issue is not an issue today! But, are there other freedoms that we enjoy that we might consider laying down for the sake of the Kingdom? If we could think of any, would we be willing to lay them down? Think of all Jesus set aside to save us!

Like Christ, Timothy was committed!