Day 338 – Paul – Journey #2 (Derbe/Lystra)

• As part of his second missionary journey, Paul made his way to the city of Derbe with his friend Silas, and then on to Lystra. He went to these two places during his last trip, but if you look on a map of his second journey, you’ll see that he is only briefly stopping off at these places to see how the churches are doing there, before continuing onwards a huge distance through what is now northern Turkey, and then on to Greece. I expect those who came to faith during Paul’s first journey would have been delighted to see him returning to see how they were getting on!
• Who did Paul meet in Lystra? Timothy’s mother was Jewish, but his dad probably wasn’t a believer. This lack of fatherly encouragement seemingly hadn’t stopped him from hearing and believing the word the Paul shared last time he was there, and Timothy was now “well spoken of” (i.e. he had a good reputation in the church). How do you think your church family would speak of you, at the moment?
• Paul took Timothy with him on his journey. Paul would have had it in mind to encourage Timothy’s enthusiasm and teach him more as they travelled. Discipling (teaching) young people is an important thing that is done in the church. Are you aware that this is partly the reason for your bible reading and regular meet-ups?
• Timothy is described in the letter to Titus as a “young man”. This letter was written about 15 years after this point, so Timothy was probably a teenager at the time that he set off with Paul.
• Acts 16:3 says that Paul had Timothy circumcised. At this point you’re probably thinking two things. The first may be relief – if you’re male – that this isn’t something you’re expected to do before doing mission! The second should be to consider why Tiopthy was being circumcised at all, based on the conversations we read about two days ago. What reasons can you think of? Have a think before you read my next note, which gives a suggestion.
• Paul and his companions would have been travelling to teach the Jews many things, including about the decision made at the council meeting to not require circumcision. Paul asked Timothy to be circumcised not as a requirement for salvation, but instead to remove a potential barrier with the people they were about to meet. This was an act of grace and love to these people – especially by Timothy! This is important stuff. Paul had a clear message to share about salvation by faith alone, but in the knowledge that circumcision itself is neither right nor wrong, Timothy was willing to “meet people where they were” by giving up his rights to take away barriers to people hearing the gospel. Make sure you understand this point. We can learn so much from this.
• How did Paul build on this message in his letter to Timothy, especially in 2 Timothy 1:8-11?
• What was Paul’s report of Timothy in his letter to the Philippian church in today’s third reading? How do you think you can be like Timothy over the next ten years as you mature into godly young men and women?

Verses 8-12 of 2 Timothy 1 are wonderful clear words, through which Paul encouraged his younger “brother” Timothy. I hope they encourage you too.

Even if you’re young yourself, you can still be a great encourager to others too. Some carefully chosen words of encouragement, a reminder of the good news of Jesus, or practical assistance (such as being a junior leader helping with the children’s work at church) are all great ways of being an encourager to other people!