Acts 16:1-5

“Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places …” (v3).  As Paul and Timothy traveled around preaching the gospel, they also visited new churches, communicating the “decisions” made by the Jerusalem elders (v4).  One surprising decision stated that Gentile Christians did not need to be circumcised (Acts 15).  Timothy, therefore, did not become circumcised to obey the Law, but to make the spreading of the gospel easier among Jewish people (v3). 

“The church …increased in numbers daily” (v5).  We are called to live sacrificially not because it saves us, but for the sake of those who don’t yet know Christ.