SCRIPTURE: Acts 16:1-5
“Paul wanted to take him along… so he circumcised him because of the Jews…” (Acts 16:3)
As Paul shares the decisions in Jerusalem (re. Gentiles not bound by the law), he has Timothy circumcised.
In Galatians 2:11-16, Paul rebukes Peter for enforcing the Law on Gentiles, but what is he doing here?
One possibility is that Paul is preparing Timothy for ministry to the Jewish population.
“To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.” (1 Corinthians 9:20)
Similarly, as missionary Hudson Taylor took on Chinese culture to win them to Christ.
Paul is not contradicting the decisions of Jerusalem, he knows Timothy does not need to be circumcised.
Because of the Jews who lived in that area, Timothy agrees to undergo the procedure.
Would it be the same if a female missionary agreed to wear a niqab or hijab while in a strict Muslim nation?
Paul and Timothy are driven by a passion and a compassion for their fellow Jews.
“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel.” (Romans 9:2-4)
How does my passion or compassion for others compare, how much will I sacrifice to win others to Jesus?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I do not have this similar burden in my heart for others. I do want others to be experience the life-transforming blessing of knowing You. Increase my love, my boldness and my zeal to win others to You.