Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: (2) Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. (3) 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. (4) And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. (5) And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
It is astonishing, after what is related in the preceding Chapter, and after what we read of Paul's sentiments concerning circumcision, Galatians 5:2, that the Apostle should have so temporized in relation to Timothy. But how sweetly do all the infirmities of men, yea, and great men too, when the Lord the Spirit is our teacher, preach the glories and perfections of Christ, and our complete need of him.