161 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra . And a disciple was there , named Timothy , the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer , but his father was a Greek , 2 and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium . 3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts , for they all knew that his father was a Greek . 4 Now while they were passing through the cities , they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem , for them to observe .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 16:1-4
Commentary on Acts 16:1-5
(Read Acts 16:1-5)
Well may the church look for much service from youthful ministers who set out in the same spirit as Timothy. But when men will submit in nothing, and oblige in nothing, the first elements of the Christian temper seem to be wanting; and there is great reason to believe that the doctrines and precepts of the gospel will not be successfully taught. The design of the decree being to set aside the ceremonial law, and its carnal ordinances, believers were confirmed in the Christian faith, because it set up a spiritual way of serving God, as suited to the nature both of God and man. Thus the church increased in numbers daily.