The beloved physician Luke shared how, “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. 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. Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium”, and in chapter sixteen and verse three of the book of Acts Luke shared, “him would Paul have to go forth with him” where we read:
Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
The verse begins, “Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters:” Luke began with the words, “him would Paul have to go forth with him” which means “him, Timothy, Paul desired to leave and depart alongside himself”; “and took and circumcised him” or “and carried and brought Timothy to be circumcised which means having the prepuce cut off which was (used of that well known rite by which not only the male children of the Israelites, on the eighth day after birth, but subsequently also "proselytes of righteousness" were consecrated to Jehovah and introduced into the number of his people)” “because of the Jews” which means “since and on account of the people who were Jewish by origin, birth or religion” “which were in those quarters” or “who existed within the inhabited spaces, cities, villages and districts”. Luke shared how “Paul” desired that “Timothy” travel with his entourage, however, because of the “Jewish” people who were in those areas, “Paul” had “Timothy” “circumcised”.
The verse continues, “... for they knew all that his father was a Greek.” Luke added the words, “for they knew all” or “because, since and on account that each and everyone of the people in those regions perceived, understood and comprehended” “that his father” which means “that Timothy's immediate male progenitor and ancestor” “was a Greek” or “existed as a Grecian non-Jewish man”. Luke shared how the “Jewish” people in the regions of “Derbe and Lystra” knew “Timothy” was an “uncircumcised Gentile” because His father was “Greek”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how “Paul” wanted “Timothy” to join his group of people who were traveling to the different areas where churches were previously established. However, because “Timothy's” father was a “Greek” man, “Timothy” was never “circumcised”. This presented a problem for the “Jewish people” in that area, and rather than have a “disagreement” or “stumbling-stone” between “Timothy” and the “Jewish people”, “Paul” had “Timothy” “circumcised”. God's desire is to have a loving personal relationship with every person, and sometimes rather than offend or stumble others, a person excels when they surrender to certain physical practices as long as they do not violate the law of God. God's priority is to “save” people from the penalty of sins which is death, and should their be a need to follow a custom in order to share God's love and forgiveness, let it be surrendered to the merciful and gracious hand of God.
Next time Luke shares, “as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep”, 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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