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The Pilgrim Path (7-14-2021)

The Pilgrim Path---Acts 16: 1 – 5

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 took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they 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 the elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

…TOOK HIM AND CIRCUMCISED HIM

On core tenets of the Gospel, the Apostle Paul would not budge. He was known however, for making concessions on some matters for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus. Here is a potentially troublesome situation. A bright, rising candidate for the ministry is on the scene: Timothy---the young son in the faith! His mother is a Jewish Christian---but folk in Lystra and Iconium know his father was Greek. Hmmm---this means he was uncircumcised. Here is a degree of cultural sensitivity we probably do not appreciate---or even initially agree with, demonstrated by the Apostle Paul. Yet, we must remember that he was a member of Israel’s largest religious sect (he was a Pharisee). Where did he “go” first---if there was such a place---in a city---on mission trips? First---he went into synagogues (be great to have a “no questions asked” companion). He was already quite well known among non-believing Jews from his 1st Missionary Journey. Can he afford to have a “companion” with him who is uncircumcised---when speaking to audiences that are Jew and Gentile? At this juncture in his ministry, he decides upon concession. Merriam-Webster defines that word as, “something agreed to in order to improve a situation…” Well, Paul and Timothy are ready “to do” whatever is necessary to remove barriers--- to the hearing of the Good News of Jesus the LORD. This adds considerable breadth and depth to the words of Jesus, “deny yourself---take up your cross and follow Me.” It really says a great deal about Timothy. All for the Savior--- and the good of souls…

From Justin S. Holcomb: Though circumcision was not one of the four regulations set in writing by the Jerusalem Council, Paul will be taking Timothy with him in delivering the news of those regulations. Paul therefore asks that Timothy be circumcised, not as a requirement for salvation or even an act of obedience to God, but to remove a significant barrier as both men minister to churches of Jewish and Gentile congregations. This was grace and love in practice to others on behalf of Paul and especially Timothy. Context and motivation are critical to Paul. He argues strongly against being circumcised if those arguing for circumcision believe that it is necessary in order to please God (Gal. 5: 1 – 6); yet if the motivation is to remove barriers to people hearing about the grace of God, Paul will gladly give up any number of cultural practices or preferences (I Cor. 9: 12 – 23).

From Simon Kistemaker: The Jews considered a mixed marriage illegal. Similarly, Paul taught the Christians not to be yoked together with unbelievers but to marry in Christ (See II Cor. 6: 14). Timothy’s mother had married a Greek even though she knew the Scriptures. As a daughter of Abraham, she had not fulfilled the law, for she neglected to have her son circumcised. Although the Christian believers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy, the Jews took offense because Timothy was not circumcised. The Jews regarded him to be outside the covenant God had made with Abraham and his descendants…

From John Stott: Our love grows soft if it is not strengthened by truth, and our truth grows hard if it is not strengthened by love.

From Victor Hugo: You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.

From Thomas Brooks: Full vessels will bear many a knock, many a stroke, and yet make no noise; so Christians, who are full of Christ and full of the Spirit, will bear many a blow, many a stroke without murmuring…

HYMN

Make me a captive, LORD, and then I shall be free;

Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be;

I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand;

Imprison me within thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.

My power is faint and low till I have learned to serve;

It wants the needed fire to glow, it wants the breeze to nerve;

It cannot drive the world until itself be driven;

Its flag can only be unfurled when thou shalt breathe from heaven.

My will is not my own till thou hast made it thine;

If it would reach the monarch’s throne, it must its crown resign:

It only stands unbent, amid the clashing strife,

When on thy bosom it has leaned and found in thee its life.

George Matheson, 1890

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason