Acts 16:1–5: Godly Accommodation
Introduction
After nearly an entire chapter in the Book of Acts of settling the question of whether Gentiles should be circumcised, we might imagine that the question has been settled. Immediately in Acts 16, though, we see Paul take a surprising step. Although he had been the champion against requiring circumcision of Gentiles, the Apostle Paul circumcises Timothy. Yet, after doing so, he continues on his way with Timothy and Silas, delivering the decisions of the apostles and elders at the Council of Jerusalem, strengthening those churches. So, is Paul pro-circumcision or anti-circumcision? The exact motivation for his actions is difficult to discern until we recognize that, in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything (Gal. 5:6).
Discussion Questions
1. Who was Timothy? Who had his mother and grandmother been (v. 1; 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14–15)? Who was his father (v. 1)? How did those at Lystra and Iconium regard him (v. 2)? What had been his status regarding circumcision (v. 3)? How might that status have hindered his ministry among the Jews (v. 3)? Why does Paul circumcise Timothy (v. 3)? Is this an example of Paul being led astray by hypocrisy (Gal. 2:13)? Why or why not?
2. What were the “decisions” that Paul, Silas, and Timothy delivered to the churches (v. 4)? What does the word “decisions” mean? How does the meaning of the word “reached” shift by knowing that the root word has to do with “judging”? What is the role of the courts of the church (sessions, presbyteries, general assemblies)? How do these courts of the church avoid legislating commandments for believers? What do they do when they judge cases?
3. What benefits do these “decisions” bring to the churches (v. 5)? How do the decisions judged by courts of the church strengthen believers in their faith? On the other hand, how can a lack of clarity about Scriptural teaching weaken people in their faith? Why would clarity on doctrinal and practical matters lead to the daily increase of the church? On the other hand, why would a lack of clarity hinder people from coming to Christ and into the church?
4. To what degree are you willing to accommodate your own life to reaching people for Christ? How does Timothy’s example in being willing to be circumcised for the sake of the gospel challenge you to get out of your comfort zone to reach people where they are? On the other hand, how do you find orderliness in the church? Do you find strength in doctrinal and practical clarity, or are you irritated by impositions on your freedom? How does this passage help people on both sides?
