Preface: Paul and Barnabas had decided to go on a second missionary journey, but they separated over a personnel dispute (this is the end of Luke 15). Paul selects Silas and Luke, and, in this chapter, makes the acquaintance of Timothy, and this group of at least 4 move across the land of Asia minor (present-day Turkey). Paul, in a vision, is called to Macedonia, so they cross over the Aegean Sea to get to Macedonia. The bulk of this chapter takes place in Philippi, where a sharp business woman, Lydia, believes in the Lord. She also invites these men to stay at her home as their base of operations. Later, Paul casts out a demon from a slave girl who was able to prophesy with the assistance of this demon, bringing in money for her financial backers. They had the officials of the city both beat and imprison Paul and Silas. There is an earthquake, which results in a friendship between Paul and the jailer, who believes in Jesus. In the end, the city officials apologized to Paul and Silas and led them out of prison. At that point, Paul and Silas move on to the next city.

Bible Summary: Paul took Timothy with him. We baptised Lydia in Philippi. Paul was imprisoned and there was an earthquake. The jailer was baptised.

The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 16 (a chart); from Slide Player; accessed June 30, 2022.

This should be the most extensive examination of Acts 16 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview: (taken from Light of the Word; accessed April 22, 2022).

*Paul and Silas will actually travel to Thessalonica in the next chapter (still a part of the 2^nd missionary journey); so letters to the Thessalonians would have to be sent out near the end of this missionary tour.

Outline of Chapter 16:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–5           2^nd Missionary Tour—Paul Adds Timothy to the Group

         vv.     6–10         2^nd Missionary Tour—Paul and Company Are Guided to Macedonia

         vv.    11–40         2^nd Missionary Tour—Paul and Company Stop in Philippi

         vv.        11–15        Lydia is brought to the Lord

         vv.        16–18        Paul casts a demon out of fortune-telling slave girl

         vv.        19–24        The magistrates of the city are turned against Paul and he is put in jail

         vv.        25–34        The earthquake and conversion of the jailer and his household

         vv.        35–39        Paul is released; he demands a public release by city officials

         vv.         40           Paul leaves Philippi

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               The “Key” & Main Points of Chapter 16 (a chart)

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Acts 16 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Acts 16 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Acts 16

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Acts 16

         Introduction         The Principals of Acts 16

         Introduction         The Places of Acts 16

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 16

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Acts 16 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Acts 16 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Acts 13–18)

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

         v.       1              Where Paul is (a map)

         v.       3              A Few Points on Circumcision

         v.       3              The Four Laws of Christian Behavior (Thieme/Kukis)

         v.       5              Are the Apostolic decrees legit or not?

         v.       5              Given what we have studied, and given current trends, to what conclusions are we forced?

         v.       6              First Leg of Paul’s Second Missionary Tour (a map)

         v.       8              Paul, Silas and Timothy in Asia (a map)

         v.       8              A prized possession (from Bible Study.org)

         v.      10              When Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts

         v.      10              Links to the Testimonies of Early Church Fathers

         v.      10              The Witness of the Early Church Fathers (a.d. 70–400) (a chart)

         v. 

         v.      12              Crossing the Aegean Sea (a map)

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         v.      39              Paul in Prison/The Believer and Social Action

         v. 

         v. 

         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Acts 16 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Acts 16

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Acts 16

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:1–3

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 16:1 (The Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:4–8

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:9–10

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:11–13

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:14–15

         Addendum          Types of Baptisms (R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

         Addendum          Footnote for Acts 16:16 (The Christian Community Bible)

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:16–18

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:19–24

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:25–28

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:29–34

         Addendum          Kretzmann’s Commentary on Acts 16:35–40

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Acts 16

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Acts 16

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Acts 16

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Acts 16

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An Introduction to Acts 16

I ntroduction: Acts 16 picks up where Acts 15 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD) leaves off. Paul proposed a second missionary journey to Barnabas in Acts 15, but they got hung up on personnel. Barnabas wanted to include his nephew Mark and Paul was unwilling to give John Mark a second chance (Mark deserted them on the first missionary journey). Their dispute was so strong, that both men decided to go their separate ways. Barnabas chose to go by sea to Cyprus; and Paul chose to take the land route back to where they had been.

In Acts 16, it almost appears as if Paul is being blocked from going this way or that way. He does make a few stops in Galatian and Asia Minor. However, Paul picks up a young man named Timothy along the way; but through one section of land known as Asia Minor Paul makes very few stops.

One night, Paul has a dream-vision, and he understands the people of Macedonia to be calling to him to come there, so they (Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke) cross the Aegean Sea and enter into Macedonia. They then travel to Philippi, where the remainder of this chapter takes place.

Along a riverside, they come across a businesswoman from that region, Lydia. It appears that she, with others there, was worshiping the True God, but had not fully understood Jesus. Paul taught her Jesus and baptized her and her family there. She invited him to stay at her home.

Paul uses her home as a base of operations, and when going back out to that same river, they kept crossing paths with a slave girl with a demon. That slave girl was able to parlay this demonic association with a gig as a fortune teller, and she apparently made good money doing this. When Paul and Silas came around, she encouraged others to hear them, saying things like, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation."

Paul cast the demon out of her, which was apparently good for her, but bad for those who owned her (she seemed to be owned by a group of investors). When they found that she could no longer make them money, they brought government officials to go after Paul and company. They beat him, they beat Silas, and they threw them in jail.

That night in jail, there was an earthquake, where the bonds which held the prisons were loosened and all of the doors to the prison were opened. The jailer was in a panic and was about to kill himself, when Paul stopped him, saying, “Be cool; we’re all still here.”

In their personal interactions, the jailer came to believe in Jesus Christ, along with his entire household.

The next day, the magistrates sent a message to let Paul and Silas out of jail. Paul insisted that this be done as publically as his beating and being cast into jail. The officials agreed. This will lead to a discussion about this very thing required by Paul. Was this right that he insist upon this kind of treatment?

It is difficult to give a short title to a chapter. One the one hand, this is the 2^nd missionary journey and it can be named by the cities that Paul and company go to. However, knowing the names of the cities does not really tell us much of the story. However, as soon as you try to give some of the story, you are writing a summary rather than giving it a title.

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2^nd Missionary Tour—Paul Adds Timothy to the Group

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    But he arrived even to Derbe and to Lystra, and behold, a disciple, a certain one was there, for a name Timothy, a son of a woman of a Jewess of a believer; but of a father of a Greek; who was well-reported of by the [ones] in Lystra and Iconium, of [the] brothers. This one, wished the Paul, with him to go out. And taking [him], he circumcised him, for the Jews, the ones being in the places these. For they knew everyone that Greek the father of him was.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Now he arrived at 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,

who had a good testimony by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.

Paul desired this Timothy to go forth with him, and taking him, he circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) And he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, there was a certain disciple there named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman that believed: but his father was a Gentile.

To this man the brethren that were in Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony.

Him Paul would have to go along with him: and taking him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile.

Holy Aramaic Scriptures        And he had come unto Derbe city, and unto Lustra {Lystra}. Then, there was there a certain Talmiyda {Disciple}, whose name was Timatheus {Timothy}, the son of a certain Yehudaytha {Judean woman/a Jewess}, a Believer, and his father was an Armaya {an Aramæan}.

And all The Talmiyde {The Disciples/The Students} who were from Lustra {Lystra} and from Eyqanun {Iconium} was testifying concerning him.

This one, Paulus {Paul} desired to take with him, and he took him, and circumcised him, because of the Yehudaye {the Judeans/the Jews} who were there in the region, for, they all knew that his father was an Armaya {an Aramean}.

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And he came to the city Derbe, and to Lystra. And there was a certain disciple there, whose name was Timothy, the son of a believing Jewess, but his father was a Gentile.

And all the disciples of Lystra and Iconium gave good testimony of him.

Him Paul was disposed to take with him: and he took him, and circumcised him, because of the Jews that were in that region; for they all knew that his father was a Gentile.

Original Aramaic NT              And he arrived at the city Derby and at Lystra, but a disciple was there whose name was Timotheaus, son of a certain Jewess believer, and his father was an Aramæan*.

And all the disciples who were from Lystra and from Iqonion were testifying about him.

Paul wanted to take this man with him and he took and circumcised him, because all the Jews in that place knew that his father was an Aramaean.

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And he came to Derbe and Lystra: and there was a certain disciple there named Timothy, whose mother was one of the Jews of the faith, but his father was a Greek; 

Of whom the brothers at Lystra and Iconium had a high opinion. 

Paul had a desire for him to go with him, and he gave him circumcision because of the Jews who were in those parts: for they all had knowledge that his father was a Greek.

Bible in Worldwide English     Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. A disciple named Timothy was there. His mother was a Jew, a believer, and his father was a Greek. The Christian brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke very well of Timothy. Paul wanted him to go with him. He circumcised him because all the Jews in those places knew that his father was a Greek.

Easy English                          Timothy travels with Paul and Silas

Paul travelled to Derbe and then he arrived in Lystra. A man called Timothy lived in Lystra. He was a believer. His mother was a Jew who had become a believer in Jesus. But Timothy's father was a Gentile who came from Greece. All the believers in Lystra and Iconium said good things about Timothy. Paul wanted Timothy to travel with him to different places. All the Jews in that region knew that Timothy's father was a Gentile. So Paul circumcised Timothy, so that the Jews would accept him.

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Paul went to the city of Derbe and then to Lystra, where a follower of Jesus named Timothy lived. Timothy's mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. The believers in the cities of Lystra and Iconium had only good things to say about him. Paul wanted Timothy to travel with him, but all the Jews living in that area knew that his father was a Greek. So Paul circumcised Timothy to please the Jews.

God’s Word™                         Timothy Joins Paul in Lystra

Paul arrived in the city of Derbe and then went to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived. Timothy’s mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was Greek. The believers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy. Paul wanted Timothy to go with him. So he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in those places and because he knew that Timothy’s father was Greek.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Paul traveled on to Derbe and Lystra, where a Christian named Timothy lived. His mother, who was also a Christian, was Jewish, but his father was a Greek. All the believers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy. Paul wanted to take Timothy along with him, so he circumcised him. He did so because all the Jews who lived in those places knew that Timothy's father was Greek.

J. B. Phillips                           Paul chooses Timothy as companion

He also went to Derbe and Lystra. At Lystra there was a disciple by the name of Timothy whose mother was a Jewish Christian, though his father was a Greek. Timothy was held in high regard by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium, and Paul wanted to take him on as his companion. Everybody knew his father was a Greek, and Paul therefore had him circumcised because of the attitude of the Jews in these places.

The Message                         A Dream Gave Paul His Map

Paul came first to Derbe, then Lystra. He found a disciple there by the name of Timothy, son of a devout Jewish mother and Greek father. Friends in Lystra and Iconium all said what a fine young man he was. Paul wanted to recruit him for their mission, but first took him aside and circumcised him so he wouldn’t offend the Jews who lived in those parts. They all knew that his father was Greek.

NIRV                                      Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

Paul came to Derbe. Then he went on to Lystra. A believer named Timothy lived there. His mother was Jewish and a believer. His father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium said good things about Timothy. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey. So he circumcised Timothy because of the Jews who lived in that area. They all knew that Timothy’s father was a Greek.

New Life Version                    Timothy Starts to Work with Paul

Paul went down to the cities of Derbe and Lystra. There was a follower there named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish Christian and his father was a Greek. The Christians in the city of Lystra and Iconium respected Timothy. Paul wanted Timothy to go with him as a missionary. He took him and had Timothy go through the religious act of becoming a Jew because of the Jews who were in those places. Everyone knew his father was a Greek.

New Simplified Bible              Paul arrived at Derbe and Lystra where he saw a disciple named Timothy. He was the son of a Jewish woman, and his father was a Greek. The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to have him travel with him. So he had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in the area. For they knew that his father was a Greek.

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Casual English Bible              ACTS 16

MISSION TRIP #2: PAUL HITS THE ROAD AGAIN

BACKTRACKING THROUGH TURKEY

Paul went to Derbe, then on to Lystra. It was there in Lystra that he met Timothy, son of a Jewish woman who had converted. Timothy’s father was a Greek, not a Jew. Timothy had a wonderful reputation among the believers who knew him there in Lystra. He had the same reputation in neighboring Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to join him on this mission trip. So he circumcised him. He did that because the Jews in the area knew that Timothy’s dad was a Greek. [1]

¹16:3Paul often taught in synagogues. He apparently thought that circumcising Timothy, who was half Jewish, would make it easier for many of the Jews to accept Timothy as one of their own.

Contemporary English V.       Paul and Silas went back to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a follower named Timothy. His mother was also a follower. She was Jewish, and his father was Greek. The Lord's followers in Lystra and Iconium said good things about Timothy, and Paul wanted him to go with them. But Paul first had him circumcised, because all the Jewish people around there knew that Timothy's father was Greek.

Goodspeed New Testament  He went to Derbe and Lystra also. At Lystra there was a disciple named Timothy whose mother was a Jewish Christian while his father was a Greek, and who was highly thought of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wished to take this man on with him, and so on account of the Jews in that district he had him circumcised, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

The Living Bible                     Paul and Silas went first to Derbe and then on to Lystra where they met Timothy, a believer whose mother was a Christian Jewess, but his father a Greek. Timothy was well thought of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium, so Paul asked him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he circumcised Timothy before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek and hadn’t permitted this before. [and hadn’t permitted this before, implied.]

New Berkeley Version           .

The Passion Translation        Paul and Silas came to the city of Derbe and then went on to Lystra, the hometown of a believer named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish follower of Jesus, but his father was not a Jew.  Timothy was well known and highly respected among all the believers of Lystra and Iconium.  Paul recognized God’s favor on Timothy’s life and wanted him to accompany them in ministry, but Paul had Timothy circumcised first because of the significant Jewish community living in the region, and everyone knew that Timothy’s father wasn’t a Jew.

Plain English Version             Paul, Silas and Timothy told people about Jesus in lots of towns

Then Paul and Silas went to the town called Derbi, and then to the town called Listra. A Christian man called Timothy lived in Listra. Timothy’s mother was a Jew, and she believed in Jesus too, but Timothy’s father was a Greek. All the Christians there in Listra said that Timothy was a good man, and all the Christians in the town nearby, called Iconium, they said that too. But the Jewish people in those places knew that Timothy’s father was Greek, and they knew that the Greek people don’t do a young man operation on their boys, like the Jewish people do. Paul wanted Timothy to go around with him to a lot of places, and he wanted the Jewish mob in every place to be happy with Timothy, so he got them to do a young man operation on Timothy.

Radiant New Testament        Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

Paul then went to Derbe and to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived. His mother was Jewish and a believer, but his father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium said such good things about Timothy that Paul wanted to take him along on the journey. So he circumcised him, since all the Jews who lived in that area knew that Timothy’s father was Greek.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Paul and Silas went to the cities of Derbe and Lystra and visited the believers there. A believer whose name was Timothy lived in Lystra. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. The believers in Lystra and Iconium said good things about Timothy, and Paul wanted to take Timothy with him when he went to other places, so he circumcised Timothy. He did that so that the Jews who lived in those places would accept Timothy, because they knew that his non-Jewish father had not circumcised him.

Williams’ New Testament      Now he went to Derbe and Lystra too. At Lystra there was a disciple named Timothy, whose mother was a Christian Jewess, but his father was a Greek. He had a high reputation among the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this man to join him in his journey; so on account of the Jews in that district he took him and had him circumcised, for everybody knew that his father was a Greek.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          Well, [Paul] got as far as Derbe, and then he continued on to Lystra.

{Look!} There he found a disciple named Timothy, who was the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father.

The brothers in Lystra and Iconium had many good things to say about him, and Paul wanted to take this man along with him. So he went and circumcised him… He did this because of the many Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was Greek.

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            He made it to Derbe and Lystra and, look, a certain student was there with the name Timothy, a son of a trusting Jewish woman, but of a Greek father, who was witnessed by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this student to go out together with him. And after he took him, he circumcised him because of the Jewish people, the ones who were in those places. You see, absolutely everyone realized that his father was Greek.

Common English Bible           Paul adds Timothy

Paul reached Derbe, and then Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy. He was the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. The brothers and sisters in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take Timothy with him, so he circumcised him. This was because of the Jews who lived in those areas, for they all knew Timothy’s father was Greek.

Len Gane Paraphrase           Then he came to Derbe and Lystra, and look, a certain disciple was there named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman, who believed, but his father [was] a Greek. [Timothy] had a good report from the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted him to go out with him, so he took him and circumcised him, because of the Jews who lived in that area, for all knew that his father was Greek.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles And he went through Syria and Cilicia confirming the congregations; and came to Derbe and Lystra; and, behold, a certain disciple was there, whose name was Timothy, the son of a believing Jewess, but of a Grecian father; who had an honorable character given by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. Him Paul would have to go forth with him: and took and circumcised him, on account of the Jews who were in those places: for they all knew his father, that he was a Greek. Acts 15:41 is included for context.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       So he reached Derbe, and Lystra. Here he met a disciple, named Timothy, son of a believer who was a Jewess and a Gentile father. He was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium, and Paul resolved to take him as a companion on his journey. But he was careful to circumcise him; he was thinking of the Jews living in those parts, who all knew that Timothy’s father was a Gentile.

NT for Everyone                     Timothy—and new developments

Paul went on further, to Derbe and then Lystra. There was a disciple there by the name of Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but with a Greek father. The Christians in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted Timothy to go with them, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews in those regions, since they all knew that his father was Greek.

20^th Century New Testament Among other places Paul went to Derbe and Lystra. At the latter place they found a disciple, named Timothy, whose mother was a Jewess who had become a believer in Christ, while his father was a Greek, And who was well spoken of by the Brethren in Lystra and Iconium. Wishing to take this man with him on his journey, Paul caused him to be circumcised on account of the Jews in that neighborhood, for they all knew that his father had been a Greek.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

Christian Standard Bible        Paul Selects Timothy

Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek. The brothers and sisters at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him. Paul wanted Timothy to go with him; so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Conservapedia Translation    He then came to Derbe and Lystra. A certain student was there, named Timothy. His mother was a believing Jewess, but his father was a Greek. He was held in high regard by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this man to go out with him. He took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews who lived in those neighborhoods; they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                Paul and Timothy.

And he descended to Derbe and Lystra. And there was a disciple there, named Timothy, the son of a woman, a believing Jewess, but of a Grecian father, who was well recommended by the brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul, being anxious that he should accompany him, took and circumcised him out of respect to the Jews resident in these places; because they all knew that his father was a Greek.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           Then came he to Derba and to Lystra. And behold a certain disciple was there named Timotheus, a womans son which was a Jewess and believed: but his father was a Greek. Of whom reported well, the brethren of Lystra and of Iconium. The same Paul would that he should go forth with him, and took and circumcised him because of the Jewes which were in those quarters: for they knew all, that his father was a Greek.

International Standard V        Timothy Joins Paul in Lystra

Paul [Lit. He] also went to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish wife whose husband was a Greek. Timothy [Lit. He] was highly regarded by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this man to go with him, so he took him and had him circumcised because of the Jews who lived in that region, because everyone knew that Timothy’s [Lit. that his] father was a Greek.

Urim-Thummim Version         Then he came to Derbe and Lystra: and look, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a woman that was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: which were affirmed by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him resolved Paul to go out with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those quarters: for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Weymouth New Testament    He also came to Derbe and to Lystra. At Lystra he found a disciple, Timothy by name--the son of a Christian Jewess, though he had a Greek father. Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium, and Paul desiring that he should accompany him on his journey, took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Worsley’s New Testament    Then he came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold there was a certain disciple there, named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewess, but of a Grecian father. Who was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium: wherefore Paul was desirous that he should go forth with him, and took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     Paul recruits Timothy

• Paul traveled on to Derbe and then to Lystra. A disciple named Timothy lived there, whose mother was a believer of Jewish origin but whose father was a Greek. As the believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him, Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him. So he took him and, because of the Jews of that place who all knew that his father was a Greek, he circumcised him.

Phil 2:19; 1Cor 4:17; 1Thes 3

2Tim 3:11

1Cor 9:20

Extensive footnote for v. 1 has been placed in the Addendum.

The Heritage Bible                          And he arrived into Derbe and Lystra, and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain faithful Jewish woman, and his father a Greek,

Who had a good testimony among the brothers at Lystra and Iconium.

Paul determined for him to go out with him, and taking him, circumcised him because of the Jews being in those places, because they all saw that his father was a Greek.

New American Bible (2011)   Paul in Lycaonia: Timothy.

He reached (also) Derbe and Lystra where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.^a The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him,^b and Paul wanted him to come along with him. On account of the Jews of that region, Paul had him circumcised,* for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

* [16:3] Paul had him circumcised: he did this in order that Timothy might be able to associate with the Jews and so perform a ministry among them. Paul did not object to the Jewish Christians’ adherence to the law. But he insisted that the law could not be imposed on the Gentiles. Paul himself lived in accordance with the law, or as exempt from the law, according to particular circumstances (see 1 Cor 9:19–23).

a. [16:1] 1 Tm 1:2; 2 Tm 1:5.

b. [16:2] Phil 2:20.

New Catholic Bible                 He then moved on to Derbe and Lystra where there was a disciple named Timothy,^[a] the son of a Jewish woman who had become a believer, but his father was a Greek. The brethren of Lystra and Iconium regarded him highly, and Paul decided to take him along. Therefore, he had him circumcised, because of the Jews in that region who all knew that his father was a Greek.

[a] Timothy: a fellow worker of Paul, to whom the latter will address two Letters.

New Jerusalem Bible             From there he went to Derbe, and then on to Lystra, where there was a disciple called Timothy, whose mother was Jewish and had become a believer; but his father was a Greek. The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him, and Paul, who wanted to have him as a travelling companion, had him circumcised. This was on account of the Jews in the locality where everyone knew his father was a Greek.

Revised English Bible–1989   He went on to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish Christian mother and a gentile father, well spoken of by the Christians at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to take him with him when he left, so he had him circumcised out of consideration for the Jews who lived in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Gentile.

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           Sha’ul came down to Derbe and went on to Lystra, where there lived a talmid named Timothy. He was the son of a Jewish woman who had come to trust, and a Greek father. All the brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy. Sha’ul wanted Timothy to accompany him; so he took him and did a b’rit-milah, because of the Jews living in those areas; for they all knew that his father had been a Greek.

Hebraic Roots Bible               And he arrived in Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a certain believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek.

This one was being testified of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.

Paul desired this one to go forth with him, and taking him he circumcised him, because of the Jews being in those places. For they all knew his father, that he was a Greek.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Paul went to the towns of Derbe and Lystra. A student of Jesus named Timothy was there. Timothy’s mother was a Jewish believer. His father was not a Jew. The brothers in the towns of Lystra and Iconium respected Timothy. They said good things about him. Paul wanted Timothy to travel with him, but all of the Jewish people living in that area knew that Timothy’s father was not Jewish. Therefore, Paul took Timothy and circumcised him to please the Jews.

The Scriptures 2009              And he came to Derbe and Lustra. And see, a certain taught one was there, named Timotiyos, the son of a certain Yehui woman who believed – but his father was Greek – who was well spoken of by the brothers who were at Lustra and Ikonion.  Sha’ul wished to have this one go with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Yehuim who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

Tree of Life Version                Now Paul came to Derbe and Lystra. There was a disciple there named Timothy, son of a woman who was a Jewish believer and a Greek father, who was well-spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this man to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him for the sake of the Jewish people in those places—for they all knew that his father was Greek.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       [He] comes but and to derbe and to lystra and look! Student Someone was there [by] name Timothy Son [of] woman jewish faithful [of] father but greek Who was testified by the in lystra* and [in] iconium brothers this wants The Paul with him to proceed and Receiving {him} [He] circumcises him because of the jews the [men] being in the places those had seen for All [Men] for Greek The Father [of] him became...

Alpha & Omega Bible            PAULOS (Paul) CAME ALSO TO DERBE AND TO LYSTRA. AND A DISCIPLE WAS THERE, NAMED TIMOTHEOS (Timothy), THE SON OF A JEWISH WOMAN WHO WAS A BELIEVER, BUT HIS FATHER WAS A GREEK,

AND HE WAS WELL SPOKEN OF BY THE BRETHREN WHO WERE IN LYSTRA AND ICONIUM.

PAULOS (Paul) WANTED THIS MAN TO GO WITH HIM; AND HE TOOK HIM AND CIRCUMCISED HIM BECAUSE OF THE JEWS WHO WERE IN THOSE PARTS, FOR THEY ALL KNEW THAT HIS FATHER WAS A GREEK.

Awful Scroll Bible                   Moreover, he comes to be accordingly-opposite to Derbe and Lystra. Even be yourselves looking, a certain disciple was there named Timothy, a son of a certain Jewish woman, confiding, but whose father was a Greek, who was being honorably testified, by the brothers from-within Lystra and Iconium. This-same one desires Paul to go-out with him, and taking him, he cut-around him because of the Jews, that are being from-within those places, for they all had perceived that his father was begun-by being a Greek.

Concordant Literal Version    Now he arrives also at Derbe and at Lystra. And lo! a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, yet of a Greek father,

who was attested by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium.

This one Paul wants to come out with him, and, taking him, circumcised him because of the Jews who are in those places, for they all were aware that his father belonged to the Greeks."

exeGeses companion Bible   TIMO THEOS JOINS PAULOS

And he arrives in Derbe and Lystra:

and behold, a disciple is there named Timo Theos,

the son of a woman - a trustworthy Yah Hudiy;

but of a father - a Hellene:

and the brothers at Lystra and Iconium

witness of him.

Paulos wills him to go with him;

and takes and circumcises him

because of the Yah Hudiym in those places:

for they all know his father is a Hellene.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           And Rav Sha'ul arrived also in Derbe and went on to Lystra. And, hinei, a certain talmid of Moshiach was there by the name Timotiyos, the ben of a faithful Yiddisha isha but whose abba was Yevani.

Timotiyos was a bochur who was well spoken of by the Achim b'Moshiach in Lystra and Iconium.

Rav Sha'ul wanted Timotiyos to come along with his chavurah, so he took him and did a bris milah, because of the Yehudim in those places, for everyone had da'as that his abba was Yevani.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. Chapter 16.^a

And he came even unto Derbeˎ and unto Lystra; and lo! ||a certain disciple|| was thereˎ by name Timothy, son of a believing Jewish woman, but |whose father was a Greek|,—who was well attested by the brethren |in Lystra and Iconium|. ||The same|| would Paul have go forth |with him|, and took and circumcised himˎ on account of the Jews who were in those places; for they one and all knew that |his father| was ||a Greek||.

a Publisher’s note: This verse is part of the preceding paragraph and should be displayed as follows: “…confirming the assemblies. 16 And he came even unto Derbeˎ…”

Inclusion of the chapter heading for correct bookmark creation prevents it from being displayed as it was in the original printed text.

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                The Macedonian Vision

Now Paul traveled to Derbe and also to Lystra. A disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer [in Christ], however, his father was a Greek. Timothy was well spoken of by the brothers and sisters who were in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to go with him [as a missionary]; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek.

An Understandable Version   When Paul came to Derbe and [then] to Lystra, he met a certain disciple named Timothy, whose mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek [i.e., Gentile]. This young man had a very good reputation among the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted him to travel with him [on a preaching mission] so he had him circumcised in order to avoid prejudice by the Jews in that area, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek.

The Expanded Bible              Timothy Goes with Paul

Paul came to Derbe and Lystra [14:6], where a ·follower [disciple] named Timothy lived. Timothy’s mother was Jewish [C her name was Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15)] and a believer, but his father was a Greek.

The ·believers [^L brothers (and sisters)] in Lystra and Iconium [13:51] ·respected Timothy and ·said good things about [spoke well of; ^L testified about] him. Paul wanted Timothy to travel with him, but all the people living in that area knew that Timothy’s father was Greek. So Paul circumcised Timothy ·to please his mother’s people [^L because of the Jews in those places].

Jonathan Mitchell NT             So [with D: after going through these ethnic (= non-Jewish) countries,] he came down into, and arrived at, Derbe, and then at Lystra – and now consider this! – a certain disciple (student; apprentice) was there, named Timothy – [the] son of a faithful (loyal; trusting; believing) Jewish woman, yet of a Greek father –

who was constantly being attested (or: repeatedly witnessed of, well reported on and recommended) by the brothers (= fellow believers) in Lystra and Iconium.

[It was] this man [that] Paul had wanted and now intended to go out with him, and so after taking [him], he circumcised him because of the Jews – the ones presently being in those places – since they had all seen, and were thus aware, that his father was (or: had been) a Greek.

P. Kretzmann Commentary    Verses 1-3

Paul and Silas in Asia Minor. Acts 16:1-10

Timotheus, the Christian disciple:

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;

which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

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.

Kretzmann’s commentary for Acts 16:1–3 has been placed in the Addendum.

Syndein/Thieme                     Then came he {Paul} to Derbe and Lystra.

And, behold, a certain disciple/student kept on being there {meaning serving the Lord}, named Timotheus {Timothy}, the son of a certain woman, who was a Jewess, and believed . . . but his father was a Greek {implies was an unbeliever}.

Who {Timothy} was well reported of under the authority of the brethren {the other believers in these cities} that were at Lystra and Iconium.

{Note: Apparently Timothy had the gift of pastor-teacher and was doing missions for the churches in Lystra and Iconium and they reported good marks on his works. Timothy is about 21 years old here.}

Him {Timothy} would Paul have to go forth with him. And took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in that region . . . for they knew all that his father was a Greek.

{Note: This is an example of the Law of Expediency. To do something - not required - for the benefit of evangelizing the unbelievers. Paul knows it is not necessary for Timothy to be circumcised. For example Paul's top troubleshooter was a Greek - Titus - whom Paul took with him to the legalistic Church in Jerusalem to make the point that being circumcised is not required. However to evangelize the Jews, they would not listen to Timothy knowing he was Greek IF he did not get circumcised.}

Translation for Translators              Paul chose Timothy to work with him and Silas.

Acts 16:1-3

Paul and Silas went to Derbe city and visited the believers there. Next they went to Lystra city. A believer whose name was Timothy lived there. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. The believers in Lystra and Iconium said good things about Timothy, and Paul wanted to take Timothy with him when he went to other places, so he circumcised Timothy. He did that so that the Jews who lived in those places would accept Timothy, because they knew that his non-Jewish father had not allowed him to be circumcised {anyone to circumcise his son}.

The Voice                               When Paul reached Derbe and Lystra, he invited a disciple named Timothy to join him and Silas. Timothy had a good reputation among the believers in Lystra and Iconium, but there was a problem: although Timothy’s mother was a believing Jew, his father was Greek, which meant Timothy was uncircumcised. Because the Jewish people of those cities knew he was the son of a Greek man, Paul felt it would be best for Timothy to be circumcised before proceeding.

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Timothy Accompanies Paul and Silas

And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there named [Literally “by name”] Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman but of a Greek father, who was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this one to go with him, and he took him [*Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation] and [*Here “and ” is supplied because the previous participle (“took”) has been translated as a finite verb] circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

NET Bible®                             Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

He also came to Derbe¹ and to Lystra.² A disciple³ named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer,⁴ but whose father was a Greek.⁵ The brothers in Lystra⁶ and Iconium⁷ spoke well⁸ of him.⁹ Paul wanted Timothy¹⁰ to accompany him, and he took¹¹ him and circumcised¹² him because of the Jews who were in those places,¹³ for they all knew that his father was Greek.¹⁴

^1sn Derbe was a city in Lycaonia about 35 mi (60 km) southeast of Lystra. It was about 90 mi (145 km) from Tarsus.

^map For location see JP1-E2; JP2-E2; JP3-E2.

^2sn Lystra was a city in Lycaonia about 25 mi (40 km) south of Iconium.

map For location see JP1-E2; JP2-E2; JP3-E2.

^3tn Grk “And behold, a disciple.” Here ἰδού (idou) has not been translated.

^4tn L&N 31.103 translates this phrase “the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer.”

^5sn His father was a Greek. Timothy was the offspring of a mixed marriage between a Jewish woman (see 2 Tim 1:5) and a Gentile man. On mixed marriages in Judaism, see Neh 13:23-27; Ezra 9:1-10:44; Mal 2:10-16; Jub. 30:7-17; m. Qiddushin 3.12; m. Yevamot 7.5.

^6sn Lystra was a city in Lycaonia about 25 mi (40 km) south of Iconium.

^7sn Iconium was a city in Lycaonia about 110 mi (175 km) east of Pisidian Antioch.

^8tn For this sense of μαρτυρέω (marturew), see BDAG 618 s.v. 2.b.

^9tn Grk “who was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.” Because of the awkwardness in English of having two relative clauses follow one another (“who was a believer…who was well spoken of”) and the awkwardness of the passive verb (“was well spoken of”), the relative pronoun at the beginning of 16:2 (“who”) has been translated as a pronoun (“him”) and the construction converted from passive to active at the same time a new sentence was started in the translation.

^10tn Grk “this one”; the referent (Timothy) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

^11tn Grk “and taking him he circumcised him.” The participle λαβων (labwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. Paul’s cultural sensitivity showed in his action here. He did not want Timothy’s lack of circumcision to become an issue (1 Cor 9:15-23).

^12tn The verb περιέτεμεν (perietemen) here may be understood as causative (cf. ExSyn 411-12) if Paul did not personally perform the circumcision.

^13tn Or “who lived in the area.”

^14tn The anarthrous predicate nominative has been translated as qualitative (“Greek”) rather than indefinite (“a Greek”).

^sn His father was Greek. Under Jewish law at least as early as the 2nd century, a person was considered Jewish if his or her mother was Jewish. It is not certain whether such a law was in effect in the 1st century, but even if it was, Timothy would not have been accepted as fully Jewish because he was not circumcised.

The Spoken English NT         Timothy Joins Paul and Silas in Lystra
Paul also came to Derbe^a and to Lystra.^b In Lystra, there was a follower^c named Timothy. He was the son of a believing Jewish woman and a non-Jewish^d father.

He was well-recommended by the brothers and sisters in Lystra and Iconium.^e

Paul wanted Timothy to go with him. So he took him and had him circumcised,^f because of the Jews that were in that place^g.-they all knew that his father was a non-Jew.^h

^a.Prn. der-bee.

^b.Prn. liss-tra.

^c.Lit. “…Lystra. And behold, there was a certain disciple there.”

^d.Lit. “Greek.” See nt. on Acts 14:1.

^e.Prn. eye-koe-nee-am.

^f.Prn. sir-kum-sized. Lit. “And taking him, he circumcised him.”

^g.Lit. “in those places.”

^h.Lit. “a Greek.”

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Paul finds Timothy
So he came to Derbe and Lystra. Well now, a certain disciple was there named Timothy, son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was a Greek; he was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him, so he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, because they all knew that his father was a Greek.¹

(1) Paul had been stoned at Lystra, at the instigation of the Jews, so why is he concerned to please them? And after he joined Paul how much time was Timothy going to spend in his home town? A curious proceeding.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Eventually, he also came to Derbe and Lystra, and behold, a certain student lived there named Timothy, a son of a Jewish woman, a believer, and a Greek father,

Who was well recommended by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium.

Paul wanted this one [Timothy in contrast to John Mark] to travel with him. However, before taking him along, he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in those regions, for they all knew that his father was a Greek .

Bond Slave Version               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:

Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

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.

Charles Thomson NT             As for Paul, having chosen Silas and being commended by the brethren to the favour of God, he set out and passed through Syria and Cilicia, establishing the congregations and then went down to Derbe and Lystra. And behold there was there a certain disciple, named Timothy, whose mother was a believing Jewess, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. This man Paul wished to go with him. So he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Acts 15:40–41 are included for context.

Context Group Version          And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and look, a certain apprentice was there, named Timothy, the son of a Judean woman that trusted; but his father was a Hellenist. The same was well reported of by the brothers that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go out with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Judeans that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Hellenist.

Modern English Version         Timothy Accompanies Paul and Silas

Then he came to Derbe and then to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed, but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of by the brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted him to travel with him. So he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Modern Literal Version 2020  Now he arrived in Derbe and Lystra, and behold, a certain disciple was there, Timothy by name, the son of a certain believing Jewess woman and a Greek father, whom was being testified of by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. This one, Paul wished to go forth together-with him, and he took Timothy and circumcised him because of the Jews who are in those places; for* they all knew that his father was* Greek.

New American Standard B.    The Macedonian Vision

Now Paul also came to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, and he was well spoken of by the brothers and sisters who were in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this man to leave with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

The gist of this passage:     Paul travel to Derbe and Lystra and takes on the help of Timothy, an uncircumcised half-Jew. He has Timothy circumcised.

1-3

Translation: Now [Paul] had come to Derbe and Lystra,...

The circumstances as to why Paul had come to Derbe and Lystra, rather than the team of Paul and Barnabas, was given in the final verses of the previous chapter. He had been in Antioch teaching and evangelizing with Barnabas, and Paul suggested to Barnabas that they go back to the churches which they founded. However, Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark along, and Paul said definitely not, as Mark had deserted them on the previous journey.

All of this is described in the final verses of Acts 15:

Acts 15:36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are."

Acts 15:37–38 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.

Acts 15:39–41 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (ESV)

See Acts 15 (HTML) (PDF) (WPD) for more information.

Logically, these verses should have marked the beginning of Acts 16.

Where Paul is (a map); from Bob Boy’s Christianity Blog; accessed February 26, 2022. Paul and Barnabas were both in Antioch, which is on the right side of the map. Barnabas went west from there to the island of Cyprus (unmarked). Paul went northwest to Derbe, Lystra and Iconium. It is unclear whether he went by boat or across the land (there are some mountains there, if Paul goes by land).

Translation: ...and look, [there] was a certain disciple there...

There was a disciple in this region whom Paul needed to meet.

Translation: ...[whose] name [was] Timothy.

The young man’s name was Timothy.