For the Gospel

Read Acts 16-18:11
 
Acts 16:1-3 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. 2 Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, 3 so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek.
 
ONE way God advances the gospel is to join people of various cultures and countries to learn from each other and to work in harmony. Sometimes there are conflicts as Paul’s rejection of John Mark in Acts 15. But God worked even through that issue. Barnabas and Mark would become powerful evangelists into new places to tell the story of Jesus. And Paul would welcome Timothy, a needed helper on his Second Missionary Journey. Timothy proved to be a strong student, evangelist, and true teacher for many years beyond Paul’s lifetime.
   You may wonder why Paul circumcised Timothy. After all, we have read in Galatians of Paul’s passionate plea to the church there to reject circumcision as works. The council of apostles in Jerusalem had also affirmed circumcision was unnecessary to be a Christian.
   But Timothy’s circumcision was not about faith. It was done to remove obstacles he would face among the Jews, who had not yet learned of the new covenant. Timothy’s circumcision was for the sake of the ministry, not for his salvation. Paul wrote about putting mission above self: “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I also lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this, so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)
   This should help us understand how we can connect with people around us. We must be willing to step into others’ lives in a way that will allow us to truly know them. In relationship, they will be more willing to trust us when we speak of Jesus’ great love for them.
   Evangelism should be an outpouring of our love for Jesus. As we are eager to tell people of our family, be eager to tell people of the Father, Son and Spirit’s work to draw people into God’s household.