1st Nov 26 | 04:00
Daily Study
The growth of believers
Acts 16 - Series 01/Episode 02 - Tue, 26th May 2026 - The growth of believers - Acts 16:01-05 - THE INDUCTION OF TIMOTHY - I Thessalonians 01:05-09
Acts 16:1-3 Then he came to 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. (2) He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. (3) Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.
Timothy was from this region of Derbe, Lystra and Iconium. Paul did not know Timothy personally, for Timothy was not one of those who had received Christ under the teaching/preaching of Paul and Barnabas. Timothy had come to Christ through those whom Paul and Barnabas had led to faith in Christ.
It is a joy to see those whom we have led to Christ walking with the Lord. It is another matter altogether to see those whom we have led to Christ, bring others to Christ and make them disciples of Christ.
The Great Commission was being fulfilled here. Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (19) Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
This was the joy for Paul that he witnessed as he visited these churches. III John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. / Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
The ones whom we have led to the Lord are our joy and crown when the Lord returns. I Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? (20) For you are our glory and joy.
The principle of multiplication is seen in action here. II Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
This is the Creation Mandate. We are to bear fruit and multiply. The creation mandate was being accomplished here. Genesis 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
The natural life of the church is disciple-making. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. / Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. The cycle repeats that the new believers continued in the Apostles' doctrine and were being formed into disciples of Christ.
The journey was of people coming to faith in Jesus, being made into disciples of Christ and then as disciples becoming elders, leaders and those involved in ministry. This entire process was what took place in the life of Timothy. Timothy would have been a living demonstration of what Paul was preaching and teaching about growing in Christ. Colossians 1:28-29 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (29) To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
We see this process in the lifecycle of the Thessalonian church. I Thessalonians 1:5-9 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. (6) And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, (7) so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. (8) For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. (9) For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
Paul saw himself as a spiritual parent to the believers. I Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. / I Thessalonians 2:11-12 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, (12) that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
Timothy was a living proof of what Paul preached.
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