Acts 16 1

Acts 16:1 kjv

Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

Acts 16:1 nkjv

Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.

Acts 16:1 niv

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.

Acts 16:1 esv

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.

Acts 16:1 nlt

Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek.

Acts 16 verses

Acts 16 1 Meaning

Paul, a key apostle, was traveling with Silas. They arrived in Derbe and then went to Lystra, where they encountered a disciple named Timothy.

Acts 16 1 Context

This verse marks the beginning of Paul's second missionary journey. After a dispute with Barnabas over taking John Mark, Paul, accompanied by Silas, set out. They ministered in cities they had previously visited during their first journey, including Derbe and Lystra in the region of Galatia. The encounter with Timothy in Lystra is a pivotal moment, as Timothy would become one of Paul's most valued and trusted associates, joining him in his evangelistic endeavors. The historical backdrop involves the expansion of early Christianity into new regions of the Roman Empire.

Acts 16 1 Word analysis

• Now (Νῦν - Nyn): An adverb of time, indicating the present moment in the narrative flow, transitioning from previous events.
• Paul (Σαῦλος - Saulos, then also Παῦλος - Paulos): The primary apostle and missionary in this account. The change from Saul to Paul in Acts 13 signifies his public ministry to the Gentiles.
• went down (κατέβη - katebē): The Greek verb from "katabaino" (καταβαίνω), meaning to go down. This could indicate geographical descent or simply movement towards a region.
• to Derbe (εἰς Δέρβην - eis Derbēn): A city in Lycaonia. They had preached there previously.
• and to Lystra (καὶ εἰς Λύστραν - kai eis Lustran): Another city in Lycaonia, significant for the healing of a lame man and Paul being stoned.
• And behold (δὲ ἰδοὺ - de idou): A common phrase in Greek to draw attention to something or someone significant.
• a certain disciple (μαθητὴς δέ τις - mathētēs de tis): "Mathētēs" (μαθητής) means a learner or follower. "Tis" (τις) signifies "a certain one," introducing someone specific but perhaps not yet widely known.
• was there (ἦν ἐκεῖ - ēn ekeī): Indicates presence.
• named Timothy (ὄνοματι Τιμόθεος - onomati Timotheos): "Onomati" (ὄνοματι) means "by name." Timothy's mother was a Jewish believer, and his father was a Greek (Acts 16:1).

Words Group Analysis:

• "Paul and Silas went down to Derbe and to Lystra": This phrase establishes the geographical movement and companions of Paul at the beginning of this missionary phase. It builds upon previous narratives in Acts.
• "and behold, a certain disciple was there named Timothy": This introduces Timothy as a new, key character. The "behold" emphasizes his significance for the subsequent mission.

Acts 16 1 Bonus Section

Timothy's unique heritage (Jewish mother, Gentile father) positions him to minister effectively to both Jewish and Gentile communities, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Gospel. This mixed heritage later led Paul to have Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3), a decision Paul justified by the principle of becoming "all things to all people" (1 Corinthians 9:22) to win more converts without compromising the core message of salvation by faith in Christ, not by adherence to the Law. This shows a practical, missiological approach to cultural realities.

Acts 16 1 Commentary

Paul and Silas, solidifying their partnership after the separation from Barnabas, venture into regions familiar from their first journey. The inclusion of Timothy in Lystra marks a crucial addition to Paul's team. Timothy, described as a disciple whose mother was Jewish and father Greek, represents a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers. This association would prove vital for Paul's ministry, as Timothy became a key helper, pastor, and recipient of Paul's epistles. Timothy's presence and future ministry highlight the expansion and integration of the early church.