Acts 16:1-5 (ESV)
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. He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.
Paul wanted to make sure that things were done in the best way to encourage and help others to grow in the Church. Paul knew that Timothy could be a good aid to him in the work and wanted Timothy to accompany him. Paul had concerns about how Jewish Christians might accept Timothy and took and circumcised him. We can learn from Paul and Timothy's example that we should be thoughtful about others and how we can best reach them with the message of Christ. The Jewish law of circumcision was no longer under affect, yet Paul had Timothy circumcised to aid them in teaching the Jewish brethren. May we be willing to sacrifice our own wants, needs, and desires to aid others in their growth as Christians.
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