King James Version

What Does Acts 16:1 Mean?

Acts 16:1 in the King James Version says “Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman... — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Acts 16:1 · KJV


Context

1

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:

2

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra—Paul returns to churches planted on his first journey (Acts 14:6-20), demonstrating apostolic care for new converts. A certain disciple... named Timotheus (Τιμόθεος, Timotheos, "honoring God")—Timothy first appears here, though likely converted during Paul's earlier visit (1 Tim 1:2, "my true son in the faith").

The son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed—His mother Eunice and grandmother Lois possessed genuine faith (2 Tim 1:5). Yet his father was a Greek, creating Timothy's unique identity crisis: legally Jewish through matrilineal descent, yet uncircumcised and culturally Greek. This mixed heritage perfectly positioned him for Paul's mission to both Jews and Gentiles, embodying the gospel's transcendence of ethnic barriers while maintaining sensitivity to Jewish concerns (hence his circumcision in v. 3).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa AD 60-62, Luke records Paul's second missionary journey (AD 49-52). Lystra, in the Roman province of Galatia (modern Turkey), was a Roman colony populated by indigenous Lycaonians, Greek settlers, and a Jewish minority. Mixed marriages between Jews and Gentiles were common in diaspora communities, though halakhically problematic. Timothy's uncircumcised status suggests his Greek father's influence dominated household religious practice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Timothy's mixed heritage both complicate and enhance his effectiveness in gospel ministry?
  2. What does Paul's return to Derbe and Lystra teach about the importance of follow-up discipleship versus only evangelistic outreach?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Κατήντησεν1 of 22

came he

G2658

to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 22

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰς3 of 22

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Δέρβην4 of 22

Derbe

G1191

derbe, a place in asia minor

καὶ5 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Λύστραν6 of 22

Lystra

G3082

lystra, a place in asia minor

καὶ7 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἰδού,8 of 22

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

μαθητής9 of 22

disciple

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

τινος10 of 22

a certain

G5100

some or any person or object

ἦν11 of 22

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ἐκεῖ12 of 22

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ὀνόματι13 of 22

named

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Τιμόθεος14 of 22

Timotheus

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

υἱὸς15 of 22

the son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

γυναικὸς16 of 22

woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

τινος17 of 22

a certain

G5100

some or any person or object

Ἰουδαίας18 of 22

which was a Jewess

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

πιστῆς19 of 22

and believed

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

πατρὸς20 of 22

his father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

δὲ21 of 22

Then

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἕλληνος22 of 22

was a Greek

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 16:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 16:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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