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is usually used by Paul for an unbeliever. Timothy has been raised by his mother and
grandmother and had to be fathered spiritually and physically by Paul.

Act 16:2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

Apparently Timothy has done some ministering in both Lystra and Iconium before Paul arrives.
Paul hears of Timothy from the Christian brothers before he actually meets him.

Act 16:3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of
the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

Paul immediately recognizes Timothy’s potential. Paul knows Timothy is not a strong person in
the Word like Titus was at the Jerusalem conference (Acts 15). Paul has Timothy circumcised
because of the pressure he would be spared in the upcoming journey. This is the law of
expediency. This type of pressure would not have affected Titus, so Paul had not asked him to
be circumcised (Galatians 2:3).

Act 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that
were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
The decrees are delivered at the request of James and the leaders of the Jerusalem church.
Paul is obedient to deliver them, but does not preach them. Paul might have had some
questions directed to him about the terms mentioned in the letter, but he always kept the
focus on grace.

Act 16:5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
An established church increases in numbers. A church is established in faith when the Word is
taught. The purpose of a church service is not to preach salvation sermons. The salvation
message is to be taken to the world by the congregational members. The church should teach
the Word so the members will become strong, go out and win the lost, and bring them into the
church to be fed and become disciples. Churches teaching faith will then be established.

PAUL’S VISION TO GO TO MACEDONIA (6-10)

Paul has a strong desire to preach in Asia and has been following the small inward voice of the
Spirit to lead him. This time, however, Paul receives a vision from God urging him to travel with
his companions to Macedonia.

Act 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were
forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden
(koluo: refused) of (by) the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

Until now, Paul has followed the inward witness and his overwhelming desire to preach the
gospel) 1 Corinthians 9:16). But he yields to the strong urging of the Holy Spirit who forbids him