Acts 16:3
What does Acts 16:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 16:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 16:3 means
Paul wants Timothy to join him, but first circumcises him because of the Jews in the area who know Timothy’s father is a Greek. This action is not to earn salvation—recently clarified by the apostles—but to remove an unnecessary stumbling block among Jews they aim to reach. Timothy’s mixed heritage meant Jews might refuse to hear him if he remained uncircumcised. Paul, zealous for the gospel’s advance, flexes on nonessentials for the sake of people’s consciences. It models loving deference and cultural sensitivity while guarding the truth that acceptance with God is through Christ, not ritual. The missionary team embraces inconvenience to avoid hindering their message among Jewish communities.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Him 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Paul had a desire for him to go with him, and he gave him circumcision because of the Jews who were in those parts: for they all had knowledge that his father was a Greek.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862this one did Paul wish to go forth with him, and having taken <FI>him<Fi> , he circumcised him, because of the Jews who are in those places, for they all knew his father--that he was a Greek.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Him Paul would have to go along with him: and taking him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Him would Paul have go forth with him, and took [him and] circumcised him on account of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew his father that he was a Greek.
Context
Coming after Timothy’s commendation, verse 3 explains a practical step Paul takes so Timothy can be effective in Jewish settings. It must be read in light of the Jerusalem Council’s decision that circumcision is not required for salvation. Verses 4–5 will show the team delivering those very decrees, clarifying that Timothy’s circumcision is a missionary concession, not doctrinal compromise. This balance sets a pattern for how the gospel navigates diverse audiences while remaining faithful to apostolic teaching.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 2:8
(for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles);
- 1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but the keeping of the commandments of God.
- Galatians 5:1
For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.
- Acts 15:37
And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, who was called Mark.
- Galatians 2:3
But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
- 1 Corinthians 9:20
And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
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