16:1 Then {1} came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a {a} Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek:
(1) Paul himself does not receive Timothy into the ministry without sufficient testimony, and permission of the brethren.
(a) Paul, in his second epistle to Timothy, commends the godliness of Timothy's mother and grandmother.
16:1 The Gospel Carried into Europe
SUMMARY OF ACTS 16:
Paul at Troas. The Call to Macedonia in a Vision. The Journey to Philippi. The Conversion of Lydia and Her Household. The Damsel with the Spirit of Divination Healed. The Rage of Her Masters. Paul and Silas Seized, Scourged, Placed in Prison in the Stocks. The Events at Midnight. The Jailer and Household Baptized. An Appeal to Rights of Romans.
He came to Derbe and Lystra. Compare Ac 14:6-21.
Behold, a certain disciple was there. A member of the church at Lystra, converted on the previous missionary tour.
Timotheus. Born of a Jewish mother, but of a Greek father. The name is Greek and means one who fears God. Following his father, he was uncircumcised and, hence, regarded as a Greek instead of a Jew. Yet he had been taught the Scriptures from childhood (2Ti 3:15) by his pious mother and grandmother (2Ti 1:5). These, Eunice and Lois by name, were Christians also. Paul converted him (1Co 4:17). Compare Ga 4:19.
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.
