We are introduced here to Timothy (v1). Before taking Timothy with him Paul has Timothy circumcised (v2-3). Why did Timothy need to be circumcised? The council at Jerusalem had just ruled that it was not necessary for Gentiles who were saved.

The reasoning is that although Timothy’s father was Greek, his mother was Jewish and the fact that he had not been circumcised would have been seen in him rejecting the covenant of Abraham. His circumcision was not necessary for salvation but it was helpful in sharing the gospel among Jews.

Here we see the willingness of a young man to do whatever was helpful in sharing the Gospel, even if it was something so painful.

The challenge for believers is, to what level are you willing to go to help sharing the Gospel? In the decisions we make in life, we always need to ask what will be helpful for Gospel witness. Do you ask this question?