In today’s passage, we are introduced to a well-known disciple mentioned throughout the Bible, Timothy. Prior to meeting Timothy, Paul has been traveling to churches from Jerusalem to Rome, sharing the Gospel with Jews and Gentiles alike. While Paul travels from one church to another, we witness the fruit of Paul’s faithful witness as the Book of Acts repeatedly reminds us, “So the churches were strengthened in faith and they increased in number daily.”

While Paul established many churches, he did not do so as a one-man band. Paul surrounded himself with a community of believers—friends—everywhere he went. He traveled with friends; he stayed with them; he worked alongside them; he preached alongside them; he was beaten and imprisoned with friends. Paul encouraged and prayed with his community. Looking back over Paul’s previous journeys, we can see his genuine commitment and love for his friends: Priscilla and Aquilla, Barnabas, Titus, and now Timothy.

Paul knew he needed a community of believers on his missionary journeys. And so do we. As we share the grace of Jesus with others, let us also follow Paul’s example of deep friendship, cultivating friendships as people made in the image of God. In this way, we can imitate Christ, our ultimate Friend, whose affection and commitment to us bought us the priceless gift of salvation.

[Acts 16.1-5]

16.1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and 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. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What was the reason for Timothy to be circumcised?

+ Why were the churches strengthened and believers increase in number?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ How can you cultivate deep friendship with your community?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ What opportunities are there to invite friends into your journey with Christ?