“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.”
Paul wanted to take him along on his journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek — Paul's decision to circumcise Timothy represents a pragmatic concession (peritemno) to facilitate Jewish missionary work in Asia Minor, not a salvific requirement as the Judaizers had insisted. The phrase because of the Jews (dia tous Ioudaious) clarifies the motivation: removing an obstacle to Jewish reception of Timothy's witness. This appears contradictory to the Jerusalem Council's ruling but reflects contextual sensitivity—Timothy's circumcision is optional discipline, not necessary for salvation.
Church Fathers on Acts 16:3
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: which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 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. Acts 16:1-3 It is indeed amazing, the wisdom of Paul! He that has had so many battles…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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