Acts 16:1-5

                                                                     Acts 16:1-5

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

 

We meet Timothy for the first time in this passage.  It is interesting to see Paul’s selection process for ministry and then how he goes about doing ministry with him.  The purpose of the trip is to check on the churches that had been planted in that region of the world.  What is interesting to note is how the churches were growing even though Paul and Barnabas had spent such a short period of time there.  It is clear that the Spirit of God is at work in the lives of these new believers.

 

THE SELECTION OF TIMOTHY: One characteristic of Paul’s ministry is that it was “people oriented.”  He was constantly concerned with reaching people and was on the look the lookout for people who could serve with him.  Barnabas and Silas were seasoned partners in ministry with whom he worked.  John Mark was a young man in whom Paul and Barnabas were investing, a sort of intern.  Just because things did not initially work out with John Mark did not mean Paul was done investing in young men.  Almost immediately Paul finds Timothy and begins investing in a young man who would be a valuable co-worker and have two letters inspired of the Spirit written to him.  We know three things about Timothy from this passage.  First, he was the son of a believing Jewish woman who was married to a Greek.  This is significant because, apparently, she was disillusioned with Judaism enough to marry a Greek.  However, she still feared the Lord, taught her son the Scriptures, and when she heard about Jesus, gave her heart fully to the Lord.  Second, we learn that he was a disciple that was well-spoken of by the followers of Christ in the region.  Before going into a broader ministry, ministers must be faithful in their own local church context.  Third, he was submissive to Paul’s leadership and willing to be circumcised.  I find it very interesting to see Paul’s sensitivity to this issue considering that part of the reason for the trip was to communicate that circumcision was not necessary.  However, Paul realized that ministers are often held to a higher standard and there was no point in risking that this become an issue for Timothy in the future.  We must always invest in people who strive to be faithful and submissive.  We must all be those people.

 

THE COMMUNICATION OF THE DECISION: The decision about circumcision was of great importance to these new churches that were made up of both Jews and Gentiles.  Paul wants to make sure that the directives are clearly understood by both sides of the argument.  The Spirit of God was working in these places and Paul does not what there to be any risk of division creeping in to hinder that work.  Doctrinal unity and clear communication of doctrine are fundamental aspects of church growth.

 

THE EDIFICATION OF THE CHURCHES: The result of Paul and Silas ministering, serving, encouraging and communicating the Jerusalem Counsel’s decision was that the church was strengthened in the faith they grew on a daily basis as more people came into the faith.  When we have a strong faith, we will share it with others.  In order for a church to grow on a daily basis, people have to be sharing their faith on a daily basis.  The main reason that our churches are not growing is that we are not sharing our faith in Jesus the way we should be.  God has called us to be his followers and to be fishers of men.  The true test of discipleship is our evangelistic activity.  May we have strong faith and open mouths.

 

APPLICATION: Always look to invest in the lives of other people to help them grow and to prepare others to do what you are doing for the kingdom.  Stive to be a person who is well spoken of by your local congregation.  Be submissive and deferent to others in your service for the Lord.  Communicate clearly in your defense of the faith.  Enjoy and edify one another in the body of Christ.  Share your faith on a regular basis with those who don’t know Christ.