Acts 16:4 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

Paul was a spiritual father, and as such a one we have him here adopting Timothy, and taking care of the education of many others who had been begotten to Christ by his ministry: and in all he appears to have been a wise and tender father. Here is, I. His taking Timothy into his acquaintance and under his tuition. One thing designed in the book of the Acts is to help us to understand Paul's epistles, two of which are directed to Timothy; it was therefore necessary that in the history of Paul... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 16:1-5

16:1-5 Paul arrived at Derbe and Lystra and, look you, there was a disciple there called Timothy. He was the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was Greek. The brethren in Lystra and Iconium were witnesses to his worth. Paul wished him to go out with him and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in these places, for they all knew that his father was Greek. As they made their way through the cities they handed over to them the decisions which had... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 16:4

And as they went through the cities ,.... Of Derbe, Lystra, and Iconium, and others in Lycaonia, and in Phrygia and Galatia; the Arabic version reads, "they both"; that is, Paul and Barnabas: they delivered them the decrees for to keep ; they gave the churches, in these cities, the sentiments, and determinations to be observed and followed by them: that were ordained of the apostles which were at Jerusalem ; concerning the abstinence of the Gentiles from things offered to idols, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:4

They delivered them the decrees for to keep - Τα δογματα, τα κεκριμενα ὑπο των ΑποϚολων . Bishop Pearce contends that τα δογματα , the decrees, is a gloss which was not in the text originally; and that the τα κεκριμενα , the judgments or determinations of the apostles, was all that was originally written here. He supports his opinion by a reference to the word κρινω , I judge, used by James, Acts 15:19 , whence the whole decision, as it referred - to the inexpediency of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:4

Verse 4− 4.They delivered them the decrees to keep. In these words Luke doth signify unto us how desirous Paul was of peace. The best and strongest bond to keep and foster peace among the churches, was to keep that which was set down by the apostles. When Paul taketh great pains about that, he taketh great heed lest through his fault there arise any trouble. And let us remember that that continued but for a time. Because, so soon as he seeth the danger of offense cease, he doth quite unburthen... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The choice of a fit person. The ordination of Timothy to be a minister of God, and St. Paul's fellow-laborer in the gospel of Christ ( 1 Timothy 4:14 ; 2 Timothy 1:6 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:2 ), was a great event in the Church's history. The character of her individual bishops and priests has always been a matter of paramount importance, and in nothing do we see the wisdom of the great apostle more conspicuous than in the choice of his fellow-laborers, He who refused Mark, because he was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The Church's duty and reward. I. THE DUTY OF THE CHURCH . 1. To encourage and develop Christian talent. When Paul went to Lystra he found the Church there speaking well of a young disciple, Timotheus. This convert was "well reported of by the brethren" ( Acts 16:2 ), and "him Paul would have to go forth with him" ( Acts 16:3 ). The Church praised him who was praiseworthy; and the minister trusted and encouraged him who was trustworthy, leading him on to higher things,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

Paul's second missionary journey commenced. I. ENLARGED WORK THE FRUIT OF ENLARGED CAPACITY AND EXPERIENCE . 1. In his own spirit—by faithful service and abundant grace received. 2. In his higher standing among his brethren. The sympathy and confidence expressed by the Churches of Antioch and Jerusalem lifted up Paul's spirit to a higher level. 3. In the clearer course opened by the settlement of the controversy as to the position of the Gentile converts. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

Apostolic devotion owned. The opening two little words of the fifth verse must not be neglected. The fifth verse does not merely summarize the incidents narrated in the preceding four verses. It connects them as effects with their just causes, or with that which was in part, and as matter of fact, their just cause. Observe, then, that— I. THE LOVE OF APOSTOLIC HEARTS ESTABLISHES FAITH IN THE HEARTS OF OTHERS AND INCREASES THE SPREAD OF IT . II. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-8

Paul and Timothy. In the intercourse of the great apostle with Timothy, and the history of the latter, we have an interesting episode. I. THE YOUNG DISCIPLE . His case shows: 1. The blessing of a pious mother. The mother's love gives force to all her lessons, sanctity to the curliest of life's recollections. "Knowing of whom thou hast learned them." 2. The blessing of Christian society. He enjoyed the testimony of the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. Not only the... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 16:1-5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 16:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-8

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