Acts 16:1-5 - Sacrifice

Scripture:

 

Acts 16:1-5
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek,

2 and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium.

 

3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

 

4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.

 

5 So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.
NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

Here we first get to know Timothy (verse 1-2).  A man who will become a dear fellow minister of Paul.

 

Paul has Timothy circumcised (verse 3a).  It seems like Paul did this to further Timothy's ministry as a part Jew (verse 3b).  Notice Paul did so "because of the Jews," not because of legalistic Christians.  It's unlikely Paul forgot the decision regarding circumcision by the Jerusalem council (Acts 15), especially since he was delivering the decree to the churches (verse 4)! 

 

And Timothy, being well past 8 days old as prescribed by the Law, submits to being circumcised.  This really speaks highly of his commitment to the ministry.  A grueling sacrifice, indeed!

 

So, the purpose behind this circumcision is to remove obstacles to ministry.  In this case, removing a stumbling block that might harden the Jews towards Timothy.  Timothy had every right to refuse to do this, but his desire to be used of God was greater than his desire for personal comfort.

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, I pray my heart would be so in tune with You, and so evangelistic and ministry focused, that I'd be willing to lay aside my liberty when You ask me to, even being willing to submit to painful sacrifice.  That my "rights" won't be my highest prize, but obedience to You will be. 

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.