Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 16:3

"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." — Acts 16:3 (ASV)

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. .