The beloved physician Luke shared how, “Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus. And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches”, and in chapter sixteen and verse one of the book of Acts Luke shared how Paul came, “to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus” where we read:
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:
The verse begins, “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, ...” Luke began with the words, “then came he to Derbe” which means “after their time in Syria and Cilicia Paul arose and appeared in Derbe whose name means tanner or coverer of skins and was a city of Lycaonia on the confines of Isauria” “and Lystra” whose name means “ransoming” and was “a city in the eastern part of the great plain of Lycaonia”: “and behold” which means “and look, lo and consider”, “a certain disciple was there” or “a particular student, pupil and attendant”, “named Timotheus” which means “who was known by the name Timotheus or Timothy which means honoring God”. Luke shared how “Paul and Silas” next journeyed to “Derbe and Lystra” where they found a “student and pupil of Jesus” whose name was “Timothy”.
The verse goes on to say, “... the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:” Luke continued with the words, “the son of a certain woman” or “the male offspring and descendant belonging to a particular female human being”, “which was a Jewess” which means “who existed as a woman who belonged to the Jewish nation”, “and believed” or “and trusted in, relied upon, clung to and had confidence in Jesus Christ”; “but his father” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover Timothy's immediate male progenitor and ancestor” “was a Greek” which means “existed as a Hellenist or Grecian non-Jew”. Luke shared how “Timothy's” mother was a Jewish woman who believed in Jesus, however, his father was a “Grecian” man.
When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn where “Paul and Silas” went after leaving “Syria and Cilicia”. They traveled to “Derbe and Lystra” where churches were previously established, and they discovered a young man named “Timothy” who had a “Jewish” and “Gentile” heritage. God had a special purpose in mind for “Timothy”, and because he was both “Jew and Gentile”, he had a special perspective as a believer in Jesus. God desires to have a personal loving relationship with every person who believes and trusts in His Son Jesus. When they yield themselves to Him, regardless of their birth heritage, He will forgive their sins and grant them everlasting life. Let all who read these words carefully examine the travels and discovery of “Paul and Silas” and understand God's willingness to save every person who comes to Him through Jesus.
Next time Luke shares how Timothy, “was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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