Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 16

CHAPTER 16

Then came he. That is, Paul, in company with Silas. Luke does not give us the history of Barnabas, but confines his narrative to the journey of Paul.

To Derbe and Lystra. See Barnes on Acts 14:6.

And behold a certain disciple—named Timotheus. It was to this disciple that Paul afterwards addressed the two epistles which bear his name. It is evident that he was a native of one of these places, but whether of Derbe or Lystra it is impossible to determine.

The son of a certain woman, etc. Her name was Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5).

And believed. And was a Christian. It is evident also that her mother was a woman of distinguished Christian piety (2 Timothy 1:5).

It was not lawful for a Jew to marry a woman of another nation, or to give his daughter in marriage to a Gentile (Ezra 9:12). But it is probable that this law was not regarded very strictly by the Jews who lived in the midst of heathen nations.

It is evident that Timothy, at this time, was very young. For when Paul urged him to remain at Ephesus to take charge of the church there (1 Timothy 1:3), he addressed him then as a young man: Let no man despise thy youth (1 Timothy 4:12).

But his father was a Greek. Evidently a man who had not been circumcised—for had he been, Timothy would have been also.

Which. That is, Timothy. The connection requires us to understand this as referring to him. Of the character of his father nothing is known.

Was well reported of. Was esteemed highly as a young man of piety and promise. See Barnes on Acts 6:3; compare to 1 Timothy 5:10. Timothy had been religiously educated. He was carefully trained in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and was therefore the better qualified for his work (2 Timothy 3:15).

Him would Paul have. This was an instance of Paul selecting young men of piety for the holy ministry. It shows:

1. That he was inclined to seek out and develop the talent within the church that could be usefully employed. It is quite evident that Timothy would not have considered this if Paul had not suggested it. Education societies are attempting to accomplish the same thing now.

2. That Paul sought proper qualifications and valued them. These were:

   • That he had a good reputation for piety (Acts 16:2). This was an indispensable qualification Paul demanded for a minister of the gospel (1 Timothy 3:7): Moreover he (a bishop) must have a good report of them which are without. .

   • Paul considered him a young man of talents and prudence. Paul's admitting him to a partnership in his labors, and his entrusting the affairs of the church at Ephesus to him, prove this.

   • He had been carefully trained in the Holy Scriptures. Thus, a foundation was laid for his usefulness. And Paul seems to have considered this qualification indispensable for the proper discharge of Timothy's duties in this holy office.

And he took and circumcised him. This was evidently done to avoid the opposition and reproaches of the Jews. It was a measure not inherently binding (compare to Acts 15:1, 28-29), but neglecting it would have led to contention and opposition among the Jews, and greatly hindered or destroyed his usefulness. It was an act of expediency for the sake of peace and was in accordance with Paul's uniform and avowed principle of conduct. 1 Corinthians 9:20, And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews. .

And as they went through the cities. The cities of Syria, Cilicia, etc.

They delivered them. Paul and Silas delivered to the Christians in those cities.

The decrees. ta dogmata. The decrees regarding the four things specified in Acts 15:20, 29. The word translated decrees occurs in Luke 2:1, A decree from Caesar Augustus; in Acts 17:7, The decrees of Caesar; in Ephesians 2:15; and in Colossians 2:14.

It properly means a law or edict of a king or legislature. In this instance, it was the decision of the council in a case submitted to it and implied an obligation on the Christians to submit to that decision. The laws of the apostles would, and ought to be, in such cases, considered binding. It is probable that a correct and attested copy of the letter (Acts 15:23–29) would be sent to the various churches of the Gentiles.

To keep. To obey, or to observe.

That were ordained. Gr., That were adjudged, or determined.

Established in the faith. Confirmed in the belief of the Gospel. The effect of the wise and conciliatory measure was to increase and strengthen the churches.