Acts 15:40-16:5 – Paul’s new co-workers

After parting ways with Barnabas, Paul took Silas with him and carried out what he had intended to do with Barnabas. Having been commended by the church in Antioch, Paul, together with Silas, embarked on his second missionary journey. They went through the region of Syria and Celicia.

The new partnership of Paul and Silas then travelled to Derbe and Lystra. Here we are introduced to Timothy. He was probably converted during Paul’s previous trip to Lystra and he became a disciple.

Timothy means one who honors God. From Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we know that his mother was a Jewish lady named Eunice (2 Timothy1:5). Here in Acts 16:1, we learned that his father was a Greek.

Timothy had an impressive record and was a man of good reputation in Lystra and Iconium. So naturally Paul wanted to have him in his team. While he had excellent credential, his background would pose a problem. The fact that he had a Greek father might become a stumbling block among the Jews in the synagogue they would go to. So Paul had Timothy circumcised to remove the barrier that Timothy’s background created.

There’s a difference between this situation and that earlier encountered. Paul was not imposing more on what was required by the Jerusalem council. In this case Timothy was not forced into circumcision as a requirement for faith in Christ. He co-operated in order to have accessibility among the Jews.   

We are told that Paul and Silas went from town to town covering areas that Paul had earlier covered. They brought the decree given by the apostles and elders to those Gentile congregations. The presence of Timothy and his circumcision must have made it easier for Paul to explain the situation.  As a result the believers were strengthened and encouraged and the numbers of believers continued to increase.

What could be on Paul’s mind when he came back to Lystra? Undoubtedly his mind must have drifted back to the scene where he was stoned and left for dead. He could also be thinking of Barnabas who was with him then and how they had weathered the crisis together. Now he had a new team. The gospel was gaining ground through them.

Let’s be mindful that no matter how much pain one’s ministry may bring, the hardship will be translated into holiness and honor for God. So take heart, venture on. God is not through with us yet!