THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 16:1-5
“Paul wanted to take him along… he circumcised him because of the Jews…” (Acts 16:3)
In Galatians 2:11-16, Paul rebukes Peter for enforcing the Law on Gentiles.
And Paul was in Jerusalem when it was decided not to make Gentiles to obey the Law.
Then why does he have Timothy circumcised?
One possibility is that Paul is preparing Timothy for ministry to Jews.
Paul knows Timothy doesn’t need to be circumcised, but it can help in their work.
Because of the Jews who lived in that area, Timothy agrees to undergo the procedure.
“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)
Like missionary Hudson Taylor wearing Chinese clothes to win them to Christ?
Like a female missionary wearing wearing a niqab while in a Muslim nation?
“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 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.
A stepping stone or a stumbling block?
How does one reach the people with the gospel? Timothy was a Jew and to bring the good news to them he became like one of them. Circumcised. Removing any stumbling blocks that would impede the spread of the Word. They knew Timothy and if he would have an impact he needed to be like them.
How’s my witness? Am I a living letter for others to read? Do they see me as living for Jesus?
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
2
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3
Living for Jesus wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.