Acts 16
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
A certain disciple - Bishop Pearce would read the latter part of this verse and the beginning of the next thus - A certain disciple named Timotheus, (the son of a certain Jewish woman that believed, but of a father who was a Greek), who was well reported of by the brethren, etc. This Timothy was the same person to whom St. Paul wrote those two noble epistles which are still extant. His mother's name was Eunice, as we learn from Ti2 1:5. What his father's name was we know not; he was either a mere heathen, or, at most, only a proselyte of the gate, who never submitted to circumcision: had he submitted to this rite, he would, no doubt, have circumcised his son; but the son being without it is a proof that the father was so too. Some MSS. state that Timothy's mother was now a widow; but this does not appear to be well founded.
Open source ↗Then came he to Derbe and Lystra; and, behold, a certain disciple was there--that is, at Lystra (not Derbe, as some conclude from Act 20:4). named Timotheus--(See on Act 14:20). As Paul styles him "his own son in the faith" (Ti1 1:2), he must have been gained to Christ at the apostle's first visit; and as Paul says he "had fully known his persecutions which came on him at Lystra" (Ti2 3:10-11), he may have been in that group of disciples that surrounded the apparently lifeless body of the apostle outside the walls of Lystra, and that at a time of life when the mind receives its deepest impressions from the spectacle of innocent suffering and undaunted courage [HOWSON]. His would be one of "the souls of the disciples confirmed" at the apostle's second visit, "exhorted to continue in the faith, and" warned "that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Act 14:21-22). the son of a certain . . . Jewess--"The unfeigned faith which dwelt first in his grandmother Lois" descended to "his mother Eunice," and thence it passed to this youth (Ti2 1:5), who "from a child knew the Holy Scriptures" (Ti2 3:15). His gifts and destination to the ministry of Christ had already been attested (Ti1 1:18; Ti1 4:14); and though some ten years after this Paul speaks of him as still young (Ti1 4:12), "he was already well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium" (Act 16:2), and consequently must have been well known through all that quarter. but his father was a Greek--Such mixed marriages, though little practiced, and disliked by the stricter Jews in Palestine, must have been very frequent among the Jews of the dispersion, especially in remote districts, where but few of the scattered people were settled [HOWSON].
Open source ↗Then came he to Derbe and Lystra,.... Which were cities of Lycaonia, Act 14:6 after Paul had gone through Syria and Cilicia; in the last of these places, he had been stoned, and yet goes thither again; none of these things moved him from the preaching of the Gospel, and from the care of the churches, such zeal, courage, and intrepidity was he possessed of: and behold a certain disciple was there: a converted person, a believer in Christ, one that had learned to know and deny himself, and understood the way of salvation by Christ, and was a follower of him; whether the apostle was an instrument of his conversion, when he was before in these parts, is not certain, though probable, since he often calls him his son; nor is it so evident whether he was at Derbe or at Lystra, though the latter seems most likely, since a report was given of him by the brethren there, and at Iconium, when no mention is made of Derbe, in the following verse: named Timotheus; or Timothy, the same person to whom afterwards the apostle wrote two epistles: it is a name much used among the Greeks, and his father was a Greek; one of this name, who was an historian among the Greeks, is frequently mentioned by Laertius (r); and there was another of this name, the son of Conon, an Athenian general (s); and another that was a captain or general of Antiochus, "Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their captain.'' (1 Maccabees 5:6) "Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of arms.'' (2 Maccabees 10:24) the name signifies one that honoured God, or was honoured by God; both were true in thi…
Open source ↗Paul was a spiritual father, and as such a one we have him here adopting Timothy, and taking care of the education of many others who had been begotten to Christ by his ministry: and in all he appears to have been a wise and tender father. Here is, I. His taking Timothy into his acquaintance and under his tuition. One thing designed in the book of the Acts is to help us to understand Paul's epistles, two of which are directed to Timothy; it was therefore necessary that in the history of Paul we should have some account concerning him. And we are here accordingly told, 1. That he was a disciple, one that belonged to Christ, and was baptized, probably in his infancy, when his mother became a believer, as Lydia's household was baptized upon her believing, Act 16:15. Him, that was a disciple of Christ, Paul took to be his disciple, that he might further train him up in the knowledge and faith of Christ; he took him to be brought up for Christ. 2. That his mother was a Jewess originally, but believed in Christ; her name was Eunice, his grandmother's name was Lois. Paul speaks of them both with great respect, as women of eminent virtue and piety, and commends them especially for their unfeigned faith (Ti2 1:5), their sincerely embracing and adhering to the doctrine of Christ. 3. That his father was a Greek, a Gentile. The marriage of a Jewish woman to a Gentile husband (though some would make a difference) was prohibited as much as the marriage of a Jewish man to a Gentile wife, Deu 7:3. Thou shalt no more give thy daughter to his son than take his daughter to thy son; yet this seems to have been limited to the nations that lived among them in Canaan, whom they were most in danger of infection from. Now because his father was a Greek he was not circumcised: for the entail of…
Open source ↗16:1-3 Paul returned to churches that he and Barnabas had established on their previous journey.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. καταντάω (katantáō, G2658) — to meet against, i.e. arrive at (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Δέρβη (Dérbē, G1191) — Derbe, a place in Asia Minor καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Λύστρα (Lýstra, G3082) — Lystra, a place in Asia Minor ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object μαθητής (mathētḗs, G3101) — a learner, i.e. pupil ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) ἐκεῖ (ekeî, G1563) — there; by extension, thither ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) Τιμόθεος (Timótheos, G5095) — dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,…
Open source ↗ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that μαρτυρέω (martyréō, G3140) — to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively) ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Λύστρα (Lýstra, G3082) — Lystra, a place in Asia Minor καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Ἰκόνιον (Ikónion, G2430) — image-like; Iconium, a place in Asia Minor
Open source ↗τοῦτον (toûton, G5126) — this (person, as objective of verb or preposition) θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λαμβάνω (lambánō, G2983) — while G138 (αἱρέομαι) is more violent, to seize or remove)) περιτέμνω (peritémnō, G4059) — to cut around, i.e. (specially) to circumcise διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaîos, G2453) — Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) διαπορεύομαι (diaporeúomai, G1279) — to travel through πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi, G3860) — to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δόγμα (dógma, G1378) — a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical) φυλάσσω (phylássō, G5442) — to watch, i.e. be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve,… κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, G652) — a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
Open source ↗μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly στερεόω (stereóō, G4732) — to solidify, i.e. confirm (literally or figuratively) ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía, G1577) — a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… περισσεύω (perisseúō, G4052) — to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also… ἀριθμός (arithmós, G706) — a number (as reckoned up) ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. διέρχομαι (diérchomai, G1330) — to traverse (literally) Φρυγία (Phrygía, G5435) — Phrygia, a region of Asia Minor καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… χώρα (chṓra, G5561) — room, i.e. a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants) Γαλατικός (Galatikós, G1054) — Galatic or relating to Galatia κωλύω (kōlýō, G2967) — to estop, i.e. prevent (by word or act) ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Ἀσία (Asía, G773) — Asia, i.e. Asia Minor, or (usually) only its western shore
Open source ↗ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… Μυσία (Mysía, G3465) — Mysia, a region of Asia Minor πειράζω (peirázō, G3985) — to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… Βιθυνία (Bithynía, G978) — Bithynia, a region of Asia καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,… ἐάω (eáō, G1439) — to let be, i.e. permit or leave alone αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. παρέρχομαι (parérchomai, G3928) — to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish… Μυσία (Mysía, G3465) — Mysia, a region of Asia Minor καταβαίνω (katabaínō, G2597) — to descend (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Τρωάς (Trōás, G5174) — the Troad (or plain of Troy), i.e. Troas, a place in Asia Minor
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅραμα (hórama, G3705) — something gazed at, i.e. a spectacle (especially supernatural) ὀπτάνομαι (optánomai, G3700) — to gaze (i.e. with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from… Παῦλος (Paûlos, G3972) — (little; but remotely from a derivative of G3973 (παύω), meaning the same); Paulus, the… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively) ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἀνήρ (anḗr, G435) — a man (properly as an individual male) Μακεδών (Makedṓn, G3110) — a Macedon (Macedonian), i.e. inhabitant of Macedonia παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὅραμα (hórama, G3705) — something gazed at, i.e. a spectacle (especially supernatural) εὐθέως (euthéōs, G2112) — directly, i.e. at once or soon ζητέω (zētéō, G2212) — to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a… ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Μακεδονία (Makedonía, G3109) — Macedonia, a region of Greece συμβιβάζω (symbibázō, G4822) — causative (by reduplication) of the base of G939 (βάσις)); to drive together, i.e. unite… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… προσκαλέομαι (proskaléomai, G4341) — to call toward oneself, i.e. summon, invite ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us
Open source ↗οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ἀνάγω (anágō, G321) — to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… Τρωάς (Trōás, G5174) — the Troad (or plain of Troy), i.e. Troas, a place in Asia Minor εὐθυδρομέω (euthydroméō, G2113) — to lay a straight course, i.e. sail direct εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Σαμοθρᾴκη (Samothráikē, G4543) — Samo-thrace (Samos of Thrace), an island in the Mediterranean τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) ἐπιοῦσα (epioûsa, G1966) — supervening, i.e. (G2250 (ἡμέρα) or G3571 (νύξ) being expressed or implied) the ensuing… Νεάπολις (Neápolis, G3496) — new town; Neapolis, a place in Macedonia
Open source ↗τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) ἐκεῖθεν (ekeîthen, G1564) — thence εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Φίλιπποι (Phílippoi, G5375) — Philippi, a place in Macedonia ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are πρῶτος (prōtos, G4413) — foremost (in time, place, order or importance) πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) μερίς (merís, G3310) — a portion, i.e. province, share or (abstractly) participation Μακεδονία (Makedonía, G3109) — Macedonia, a region of Greece κολωνία (kolōnía, G2862) — a Roman "colony" for veterans δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗τέ (té, G5037) — both or also (properly, as correlation of G2532 (καί)) σάββατον (sábbaton, G4521) — the Sabbath (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the… ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) ἔξω (éxō, G1854) — out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… ποταμός (potamós, G4215) — a current, brook or freshet (as drinkable), i.e. running water οὗ (hoû, G3757) — at which place, i.e. where προσευχή (proseuchḗ, G4335) — prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel) νομίζω (nomízō, G3543) — properly, to do by law (usage), i.e. to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to… εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… καθίζω (kathízō, G2523) — to seat down, i.e. set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down);…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) Λυδία (Lydía, G3070) — Lydia, a Christian woman πορφυρόπωλις (porphyrópōlis, G4211) — a female trader in purple cloth πόλις (pólis, G4172) — a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size) Θυάτειρα (Thyáteira, G2363) — Thyatira, a place in Asia Minor σέβομαι (sébomai, G4576) — to revere, i.e. adore θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that καρδία (kardía, G2588) — the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful…
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
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.
The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.
To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: