Acts 16:1-5 – Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3 Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.
“Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. 2 The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.” Timothy’s mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois were both Jewesses who had become Christians. They were known to have sincere faith. In 2 Timothy 2:5 Paul writes to Timothy “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Family and Friends the value of holy women of God in one’s life cannot be overly regarded. (Yes, having holy men in one’s life likewise cannot be overly regarded.) Women have been, historically, the ones who stayed with, cared for, and taught a child all the early, and later, lessons that influence how a child will think and relate to the world. More importantly, be it a grandmother, mother or aunt, they will influence a child’s relationship with God, or lack of a relationship with God. In many ways, the way a child sees how devoted his mother is to God, the love of the child for his mother, and her ways, will facilitate how the child will love God. In other words “I love Mom. Mom loved God. I will honor Mom in honoring whom she honored. I will honor God.” Proverbs 22:6 conveys to us is that if children are raised in the way that they should go they will not part from it even when they are old. That does not mean that they will not ever stray from the path. It means that in the long run that child, if taught to love God, will always have love for God in them and though they may loudly proclaim that they no longer love God, they will not deceive God. God knows the hearts of everyone (Jeremiah 17:10) and so He will guide back to Himself those who have wandered onto a stray path. He is the Great Shepherd who searches for the one stray (Matthew 18:12-14). Paul wrote that the faith that Timothy had within in him is Life that began in his grandmother and mother and was passed down to Timothy by them instructing him in the Word of God and leading him to Jesus. Praise God for Godly mothers who lovingly bring their children to Jesus, so that He may always be their provider and protector in all things. Praise God!
Timothy’s father was not a Jew, but a Greek. Although not in scripture, it has been believed that his father may have been a Roman soldier. Lystra was a residence of many retired soldiers and the city also served as garrison for the Roman army. As a Greek, it is possible the thought of circumcision was to him a violent and repulsive thing to do to his baby son. That could be the reason behind V3.
Timothy was well spoken of by the believers in his town and the nearby town. He was not well spoken of just because of testimony from his mother and grandmother. He was well spoken of because of the faith he had was evident to all by how he lived and spoke. Our faith lived out at all times and circumstances becomes the lubricant that oils the creaky faith of others, or the fragrant food that leads them to Jesus. We must live out our faith and God will, in His divine will, lead us into daily ministry, whatever the calling. Whether it be passing on faith to a child, a neighbor, or the world. Live out our faith and learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. There is no more exciting, and fulfilling way to live! Praise God who loves us so! He is faithful to us not as an imposed requirement but because of what streams from the essence of who He is. Oh, our God is so good and loving! Praise our God! Yes, praise our God!
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown You, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of You but to do justly, to love mercy, And to walk humbly with Your God.