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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 16:3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/16-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/44_Act_16_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 16:3 - Timothy Joins Paul and Silas" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/16-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/16-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/16-2.htm" title="Acts 16:2">◄</a> Acts 16:3 <a href="/acts/16-4.htm" title="Acts 16:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/16.htm">New International Version</a> 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. <a href="/nlt/acts/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/esv/acts/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul wanted this one to go forth with him, and having taken him, he circumcised him on account of the Jews being in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/kjv/acts/16.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/16.htm">New King James Version</a> Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. <a href="/nasb_/acts/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Paul wanted this man to leave 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. <a href="/nasb/acts/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> 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. <a href="/nasb77/acts/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> 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. <a href="/lsb/acts/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> 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. <a href="/amp/acts/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Paul wanted Timothy to go with him [as a missionary]; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/csb/acts/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul wanted Timothy to go with him; so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/hcsb/acts/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul wanted Timothy to go with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/asv/acts/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/cev/acts/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and Paul wanted him to go with them. But Paul first had him circumcised, because all the Jewish people around there knew that Timothy's father was Greek. <a href="/erv/acts/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/gwt/acts/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Paul wanted Timothy to go with him. So he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in those places and because he knew that Timothy's father was Greek. <a href="/gnt/acts/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> Paul wanted to take Timothy along with him, so he circumcised him. He did so because all the Jews who lived in those places knew that Timothy's father was Greek. <a href="/isv/acts/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Paul wanted this man to go with him, so he took him and had him circumcised because of the Jews who lived in that region, since everyone knew that Timothy's father was a Greek. <a href="/net/acts/16.htm">NET Bible</a> 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 Greek. <a href="/nheb/acts/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Paul wanted to have him go out with him, and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/wbt/acts/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those quarters: for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and Paul desiring that he should accompany him on his journey, took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/acts/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/web/acts/16.htm">World English Bible</a> Paul wanted to have him go out with him, and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Paul wished this one to go forth with him, and having taken [him], he circumcised him, because of the Jews who are in those places, for they all knew his father—that he was a Greek. <a href="/blb/acts/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Paul wanted this one to go forth with him, and having taken him, he circumcised him on account of the Jews being in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/ylt/acts/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> this one did Paul wish to go forth with him, and having taken him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews who are in those places, for they all knew his father -- that he was a Greek. <a href="/slt/acts/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Him Paul wished to go forth with him; and having taken, he circumcised him, on account of the Jews being in those places: for all knew his father that he was a Greek.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Him Paul would have to go along with him: and taking him he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile. <a href="/cpdv/acts/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Paul wanted this man to travel with him, and taking him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile. <a href="/nabre/acts/16.htm">New American Bible</a> and Paul wanted him to come along with him. On account of the Jews of that region, Paul had him circumcised, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him; and he took him and had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Paul wanted to take this man with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region; for they all knew that his father was a Syr’i-an. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Paul wanted to take this man with him and he took and circumcised him, because all the Jews in that place knew that his father was an Aramaean.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> This man Paul wished to go with him: and he took him and circumcised him, on account of the Jews that were in those places: for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/godbey/acts/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Paul wished him to go out with him; and having taken him circumcised him on account of the Jews who were in those places: for they all knew his father that he was a Greek. <a href="/haweis/acts/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Him Paul resolved to take out with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places: for they all knew his father, that he was a Greek. <a href="/mace/acts/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> so he took him and had him circumcised, out of regard to the Jews of that country, who all knew his father was a Greek. <a href="/wey/acts/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and Paul desiring that he should accompany him on his journey, took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/worrell/acts/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> this one Paul wished to go forth with him; and, taking him, he circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/worsley/acts/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> wherefore Paul was desirous that he should go forth with him, and took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. <a href="/parallel/acts/16-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=5194" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/16.htm">Timothy Joins Paul and Silas</a> …2The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. 3<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: ēthelēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">wanted</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touton (DPro-AMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">Timothy</a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exelthein (V-ANA) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">to accompany</a> <a href="/greek/4862.htm" title="4862: syn (Prep) -- With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">so</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labōn (V-APA-NMS) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">he took him</a> <a href="/greek/4059.htm" title="4059: perietemen (V-AIA-3S) -- To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise.">and circumcised</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">on account of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaious (Adj-AMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontas (V-PPA-AMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinois (DPro-DMP) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5117.htm" title="5117: topois (N-DMP) -- Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard.">area,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/537.htm" title="537: hapantes (Adj-NMP) -- All, the whole, altogether. Absolutely all or every one."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: ēdeisan (V-LIA-3P) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">they all knew</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: patēr (N-NMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">father</a> <a href="/greek/5225.htm" title="5225: hypērchen (V-IIA-3S) -- To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).">was</a> <a href="/greek/1672.htm" title="1672: Hellēn (N-NMS) -- From Hellas; a Hellen or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew.">a Greek.</a> 4As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/2-3.htm">Galatians 2:3</a> Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">1 Corinthians 9:20</a> To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Philippians 2:22</a> But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel. <a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">1 Timothy 1:2</a> To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5</a> I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well. <a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a> From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. <a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">1 Timothy 4:14</a> Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders. <a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">2 Timothy 1:6</a> For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-18.htm">1 Corinthians 7:18-19</a> Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man still uncircumcised when called? He should not be circumcised. / Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commandments is what counts. <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Romans 14:13-15</a> Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. / I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. / If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-9.htm">1 Corinthians 8:9-13</a> Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. / For if someone with a weak conscience sees you who are well informed eating in an idol’s temple, will he not be encouraged to eat food sacrificed to idols? / So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/10-32.htm">1 Corinthians 10:32-33</a> Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— / as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved. <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a> For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm">Galatians 6:15</a> For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. <a href="/genesis/17-10.htm">Genesis 17:10-14</a> This is My covenant with you and your descendants after you, which you are to keep: Every male among you must be circumcised. / You are to circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and this will be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. / Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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.would.<a href="/acts/15-37.htm">Acts 15:37,40</a> And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark… and took.<a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20</a> But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.<a href="/1_corinthians/7-19.htm">1 Corinthians 7:19</a> Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">1 Corinthians 9:20</a> And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/11-12.htm">Accompany</a> <a href="/acts/15-14.htm">Account</a> <a href="/acts/15-24.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/acts/15-37.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/acts/13-7.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/acts/15-40.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Greek</a> <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/10-9.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/acts/15-16.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/7-48.htm">Places</a> <a href="/acts/10-38.htm">Quarters</a> <a href="/acts/16-2.htm">Timothy</a> <a href="/acts/15-37.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/16-4.htm">Accompany</a> <a href="/acts/16-38.htm">Account</a> <a href="/romans/2-25.htm">Circumcised</a> <a href="/acts/21-21.htm">Circumcision</a> <a href="/acts/17-20.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/acts/19-31.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/acts/16-10.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/acts/17-12.htm">Greek</a> <a href="/acts/16-20.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/21-5.htm">Journey</a> <a href="/acts/20-2.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/acts/16-6.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/24-3.htm">Places</a> <a href="/acts/28-7.htm">Quarters</a> <a href="/acts/17-14.htm">Timothy</a> <a href="/acts/18-27.htm">Wanted</a> <a href="/acts/17-18.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 16</div>1. <a href="/acts/16-1.htm">Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,</a> 7. <a href="/acts/16-7.htm">and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,</a> 14. <a href="/acts/16-14.htm">convert Lydia,</a> 16. <a href="/acts/16-16.htm">and cast out a spirit of divination;</a> 19. <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.</a> 25. <a href="/acts/16-25.htm">The prison doors are opened.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/16-31.htm">The jailor is converted,</a> 35. <a href="/acts/16-35.htm">and they are delivered.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him Paul, an apostle and missionary, recognized Timothy's potential for ministry. Timothy was a young disciple from Lystra, well spoken of by the believers there. Paul's desire for Timothy to join him reflects the importance of mentorship and discipleship in the early church. This decision also highlights the strategic nature of Paul's missionary journeys, as he sought companions who could aid in spreading the Gospel.so he took him and circumcised him This action might seem contradictory to Paul's teachings on circumcision and the law (<a href="/galatians/5-2.htm">Galatians 5:2-6</a>). However, Paul's decision was pragmatic, aimed at removing barriers to the Gospel among Jewish communities. Circumcision was a significant cultural and religious practice for Jews, and by circumcising Timothy, Paul ensured that their ministry would not be hindered by Jewish objections.on account of the Jews in that area The Jewish communities in the region were aware of Timothy's mixed heritage. To avoid unnecessary conflict and to gain a hearing among the Jews, Paul circumcised Timothy. This decision underscores the principle of becoming "all things to all people" (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm">1 Corinthians 9:20-22</a>) to win them to Christ, demonstrating Paul's commitment to cultural sensitivity in his mission work.for they all knew that his father was a Greek Timothy's father being Greek meant that Timothy was not circumcised as a child, which was customary for Jewish boys. This mixed heritage could have posed a stumbling block in Jewish evangelism. By addressing this issue, Paul ensured that Timothy's background would not impede their mission. This situation also highlights the early church's challenges in navigating cultural and ethnic diversity while maintaining unity in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> A key apostle in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In this passage, he is preparing for further missionary work. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young disciple of Paul, known for his mixed heritage—his mother was Jewish, and his father was Greek. He becomes a significant figure in the early church and a close companion of Paul. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jews_in_those_places.htm">Jews in those places</a> Refers to the Jewish communities in the regions where Paul and Timothy were planning to minister. Their knowledge of Timothy's Greek father necessitated his circumcision to avoid hindrances in ministry. 4. <a href="/topical/c/circumcision.htm">Circumcision</a> A Jewish rite of passage and covenant sign, which Paul deemed necessary for Timothy to undergo to facilitate their mission among the Jews. 5. <a href="/topical/g/greek_father.htm">Greek Father</a> Timothy's father, whose Greek heritage was well-known, influencing the decision for Timothy's circumcision to ensure acceptance among Jewish audiences.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/cultural_sensitivity_in_ministry.htm">Cultural Sensitivity in Ministry</a> Paul’s decision to circumcise Timothy demonstrates the importance of understanding and respecting cultural contexts to effectively share the Gospel. <a href="/topical/b/balancing_freedom_and_responsibility.htm">Balancing Freedom and Responsibility</a> While Christians have freedom in Christ, there are times when it is wise to limit that freedom for the sake of others and the Gospel’s advancement. <a href="/topical/s/strategic_decisions_for_the_gospel.htm">Strategic Decisions for the Gospel</a> Paul’s actions show that strategic decisions, even those that may seem contradictory, can be necessary for the greater mission of spreading the Gospel. <a href="/topical/h/heritage_and_identity_in_christ.htm">Heritage and Identity in Christ</a> Timothy’s mixed heritage did not hinder his role in the church; rather, it was used strategically. Our backgrounds can be used by God for His purposes. <a href="/topical/m/mentorship_and_discipleship.htm">Mentorship and Discipleship</a> Paul’s relationship with Timothy highlights the importance of mentorship in spiritual growth and ministry preparation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 16</a> <a href="/q/timothy's_key_bible_contributions.htm">What are Timothy's key contributions in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/who_were_priscilla_and_aquila.htm">Who were Priscilla and Aquila in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'all_things_to_all'_mean.htm">What does "all things to all people" mean?</a> <a href="/q/who_are_paul_and_timothy_in_the_bible.htm">Who are Paul and Timothy in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) And took and circumcised him.--The act seems at first inconsistent with St. Paul's conduct as to Titus (<a href="/galatians/2-3.htm" title="But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:">Galatians 2:3</a>), and with his general teaching as to circumcision (<a href="/context/galatians/5-2.htm" title="Behold, I Paul say to you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.">Galatians 5:2-6</a>). The circumstances of the two cases were, however, different, and there were adequate reasons here for the course which he adopted. (1) The act was spontaneous, and men may rightly concede as a favour, or as a matter of expediency, what they would be justified in resisting when demanded as a matter of necessity. (2) Titus was a Greek, pure and simple (<a href="/galatians/2-3.htm" title="But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:">Galatians 2:3</a>); but the mixed parentage of Timotheus, according to the received canons of Jewish law, made him inherit from the nobler side, and he was therefore by birth in the same position as an Israelite. (3) By not urging circumcision prior to baptism, or to his admission to that "breaking of bread" which was then, as afterwards, the witness of a full communion with Christ, the Apostle had shown that he did not look on it as essential to admission into the Christian Church, or continued fellowship with it, and in what he now did he was simply acting on his avowed principle of becoming to the Jews as a Jew (see Notes on <a href="/acts/18-18.htm" title="And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brothers, and sailed there into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.">Acts 18:18</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-20.htm" title="And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;">1Corinthians 9:20</a>), and guarding against the difficulties which he would have encountered from those whom he sought to win to Christ, had they seen, as one of the travelling company, an Israelite who was ashamed of the seal of the covenant of Abraham. The acceptance of that seal by one who had grown up to manhood without it may be noted as showing that the disciple had imbibed the spirit of his Master. It seems probable, from the youth of Timotheus, that at this period he took the place which had been before filled by Mark, and acted chiefly as an attendant, the "work of an evangelist" coming later (<a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm" title="But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.">2Timothy 4:5</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - He took for took, A.V.; that for which, A.V.; parts for quarters, A.V.; all knew for knew all, A.V. Circumcised him. The Jewish origin of Timothy on his mother's side was a sufficient reason for circumcising him, according to the maxim, Partus sequitur ventrem. And it could be done without prejudice to the rights of Gentile converts as established in the decrees of which St. Paul was bearer. Because of the Jews; not the Christian Jews, who ought to know better than trust in circumcision, but the unbelieving Jews, who would be scandalized if St. Paul had an uncircumcised man for his fellow-laborer (see <a href="/1_corinthians/10-20.htm">1 Corinthians 10:20</a>). <a href="/commentaries/acts/16-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Paul Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. wanted ἠθέλησεν (ēthelēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. [Timothy] τοῦτον (touton) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. to accompany ἐξελθεῖν (exelthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. him, αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [so] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. he took [him] λαβὼν (labōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. [and] circumcised περιέτεμεν (perietemen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4059.htm">Strong's 4059: </a> To cut around, circumcise. From peri and the base of tomoteros; to cut around, i.e. to circumcise. him αὐτὸν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. on account of διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews Ἰουδαίους (Ioudaious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. that ἐκείνοις (ekeinois) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1565.htm">Strong's 1565: </a> That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. area, τόποις (topois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5117.htm">Strong's 5117: </a> Apparently a primary word; a spot, i.e. Location; figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. they all knew ᾔδεισαν (ēdeisan) Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. father πατὴρ (patēr) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. was ὑπῆρχεν (hypērchen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5225.htm">Strong's 5225: </a> To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb). a Greek. Ἕλλην (Hellēn) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1672.htm">Strong's 1672: </a> From Hellas; a Hellen or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/16-3.htm">Acts 16:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/16-3.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 16:3 Paul wanted to have him go out (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/16-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 16:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 16:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/16-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 16:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 16:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>