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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse subtly highlights that Timothy’s mother was a believer while his father was merely Greek, emphasizing that his upbringing was shaped by his believing mother’s faith in a predominantly Gentile environment. This detail sets the stage for Paul’s decision to circumcise Timothy, not out of religious necessity for Timothy himself, but as a strategic move to foster unity and acceptance among Jewish believers, demonstrating a deep pastoral wisdom.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul and his companions are traveling through Asia Minor, revisiting churches they established on a previous journey. In Lystra, they encounter Timothy, a young disciple with a Jewish mother and a Greek father, who is highly respected by the local believers. This sets the stage for Timothy to join Paul's ministry, a significant development for the spread of the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
Timothy, a key figure in the early church, had a background that was anything but simple. His heritage was a fascinating mix, shaping his unique place in ministry.
Timothy was the son of a Jewish woman who believed in Jesus and a Greek (Gentile) father. This is a crucial detail for understanding his ministry:
Paul encountered a significant pastoral challenge with Timothy's background. His decision on whether to circumcise Timothy reveals a profound principle of ministry strategy.
Paul chose to circumcise Timothy. This wasn't a matter of doctrine or salvation, but a strategic move for effective ministry:
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Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
A follower or learner, specifically one who adheres to the teachings of Jesus Christ and seeks to model their life after Him. It implies a committed relationship involving instruction, obedience, and imitation.
pistos · Greek Adjective/Noun
One who has put their trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as Savior and Lord. In a biblical context, it denotes a person who has experienced regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
Timothy's mixed heritage (Jewish mother, Gentile father) and his later ministry highlight the early church's struggle and success in bridging cultural divides and integrating diverse people into God's family.
c. AD 47-48
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel in Derbe and Lystra, facing opposition and persecution. This is likely when Timothy, a young man from Lystra, first encountered Paul and may have become a believer.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
A pivotal council in Jerusalem addresses the inclusion of Gentiles in the early church, deciding that they do not need to be circumcised. This decision impacts how Paul later navigates cultural and religious expectations.
c. AD 50— this verse
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul and Silas embark on their second major missionary tour, revisiting the churches established on the first journey. This journey includes the events described in Acts 16.
c. AD 50
Timothy is Circumcised
Paul circumcises Timothy before they depart Lystra. This was a strategic decision to facilitate Timothy's ministry among Jewish communities, showing respect for their customs despite the Jerusalem Council's ruling.
c. AD 50-51
Ministry in Macedonia
Guided by a vision, Paul and his companions cross into Macedonia, establishing churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. This marks a significant expansion of the gospel into Europe.
This passage directly references Timothy's mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, highlighting their genuine faith and the spiritual heritage Timothy came from, which is foundational to his upbringing mentioned in Acts 16:1.
Galatians 3:28This verse speaks to the unity in Christ transcending ethnic and social distinctions ('neither Jew nor Greek'), which is a significant theological backdrop to Paul's ministry involving a disciple like Timothy, who was half-Greek.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23Paul's strategy of becoming all things to all people, including making himself like a Greek to win Greeks, parallels the approach needed when ministering to people of mixed heritage, as seen with Timothy.
Ezra 9:1-2This Old Testament passage expresses strong condemnation against Israelites intermarrying with surrounding nations, providing the cultural and religious tension that made Timothy's mixed heritage a notable point.
Romans 16:21Paul calls Timothy his 'fellow worker,' indicating a close and sustained relationship that began with Timothy's inclusion in the ministry, as initiated in Acts 16:1.
pooleActs 16:1: "Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:"
Acts 16:1-8 Paul having circumcised Timothy, and taken him for his companion, passeth through divers countries, Acts 16:9-13 and is directed by a vision to go into Macedonia. Acts 16:14,15 He converteth Lydia, Acts 16:16-18 and casteth out a spirit of divination. Acts 16:19-24 He and Silas are whipped…
barnesActs 16:1: "Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:"
Then came he - That is, Paul in company with Silas. Luke does not give us the history of Barnabas, but confines his narrative to the journey of Paul. To Derbe and Lystra - See the notes on Acts 14:6. And behold, a certain disciple named Timotheus - It was to this disciple that Paul afterward addressed…
This verse subtly highlights that Timothy’s mother was a believer while his father was merely Greek, emphasizing that his upbringing was shaped by his believing mother’s faith in a predominantly Gentile environment. This detail sets the stage for Paul’s decision to circumcise Timothy, not out of religious necessity for Timothy himself, but as a strategic move to foster unity and acceptance among Jewish believers, demonstrating a deep pastoral wisdom.
Paul and his companions are traveling through Asia Minor, revisiting churches they established on a previous journey. In Lystra, they encounter Timothy, a young disciple with a Jewish mother and a Greek father, who is highly respected by the local believers. This sets the stage for Timothy to join Paul's ministry, a significant development for the spread of the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
Paul and his companions are traveling through Asia Minor, revisiting churches they established on a previous journey. In Lystra, they encounter Timothy, a young disciple with a Jewish mother and a Greek father, who is highly respected by the local believers. This sets the stage for Timothy to join Paul's ministry, a significant development for the spread of the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
"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." — This verse subtly highlights that Timothy’s mother was a believer while his father was merely Greek, emphasizing that his upbringing was shaped by his believing mother’s faith in a predominantly Ge…
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Last reviewed October 2026