PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 16:1-5
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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 obey the Law.
Then why does he have Timothy circumcised?
One possibility is that Paul is preparing Timothy for ministry to Jews.
He knows Timothy doesn’t need to be circumcised, but it will 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 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)
Timothy is willing to be cut (off) for the sake of the people of Israel.
How much will I sacrifice to win others to Jesus?
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.
“so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek” Timothy did not have to be circumcised for his salvation – it did not matter. But Paul and Timothy knew what they were up against because of Timothy’s Father being a Greek when they were moving around in Jewish synagogues – presenting the good news of salvation through Jesus. Paul and Timothy opened the door for opportunities to share with the Jews who were still waiting for a Messiah – they had a ‘way-in’ for the gospel – so they eliminated things that might slam doors in their faces. We too can cause unnecessary closure – by the way we behave as well to others. What is important and what is not when in comes to dialogue with others are work or wherever we meet people? I need to stay true to Jesus – but I shouldn’t be uppity or pious or saintly – but neither should I be crude or vulgar matching language with others that is offensive. Fitting in while being faithful to my saviour – to open doors for communication! Lord guide my actions and words by your Spirit!
Proclaiming the good news. Meeting the people where they are at. Following the Word of the Lord. Reminds me of the sheet coming down with clean and unclean creatures. His Good News is for all peoples and we/I will need to get out of our comfort zone for the peoples to hear. I need His daily help to be an instrument of His peace as I meet and greet others in my daily living for Jesus.
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;
Where there is hatred,
Let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
And all for thy mercy’s sake.
O divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as o console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving hat we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.