Act 16:3, 17:14 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 3. Him would Paul have , etc. This was an instance of Paul's selecting young men of piety for the holy ministry. It shows, (1.) that he was disposed to look up and call forth the talent that might be in the church, that might be usefully employed. It is quite evident that Timothy would not have thought of this, had it not been suggested by Paul. The same thing education societies are attempting now to accomplish. (2.) That Paul sought proper qualifications, and valued them. Those were, (a.) that he had a good reputation for piety, etc., This he demanded as an indispensable qualification for a minister of the gospel. . "Moreover he (a bishop) must have a good report of them which are without." Comp. . (b) Paul esteemed him to be a young man of talents and prudence. His admitting him to a partnership in his labours, and his entrusting to him the affairs of the church at Ephesus, prove this. (c) He had been carefully trained in the Holy Scriptures. A foundation was thus laid for usefulness. And this qualification seems to have been deemed by Paul of indispensable value for the right discharge of his duties in this holy office. And he took and circumcised him . This was evidently done to avoid the opposition and reproaches of the Jews. It was a measure not binding in itself, (comp. ) but the neglect of which would expose to contention and opposition among the Jews, and greatly retard or destroy his usefulness. It was an act of expediency for the sake of peace, and was in accordance with Paul's uniform and avowed principle of conduct. , "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews." Comp. . (g) "circumcised him, because" (h) "Jews which were"

Acts 16:3

Verse 3. Him would Paul have, etc. This was an instance of Paul's selecting young men of piety for the holy ministry. It shows,

(1.) that he was disposed to look up and call forth the talent that might be in the church, that might be usefully employed. It is quite evident that Timothy would not have thought of this, had it not been suggested by Paul. The same thing education societies are attempting now to accomplish.

(2.) That Paul sought proper qualifications, and valued them. Those were, (a.) that he had a good reputation for piety, etc., Acts 16:2

This he demanded as an indispensable qualification for a minister of

the gospel. 1Timm 3:7. "Moreover he (a bishop) must have a good

report of them which are without." Comp. Acts 22:12.

(b) Paul esteemed him to be a young man of talents and prudence.

His admitting him to a partnership in his labours, and his

entrusting to him the affairs of the church at Ephesus, prove this.

foundation was thus laid for usefulness. And this qualification

seems to have been deemed by Paul of indispensable value for

the right discharge of his duties in this holy office.

And he took and circumcised him. This was evidently done to avoid the opposition and reproaches of the Jews. It was a measure not binding in itself, (comp. Acts 15:1,28,29) but the neglect of which would expose to contention and opposition among the Jews, and greatly retard or destroy his usefulness. It was an act of expediency for the sake of peace, and was in accordance with Paul's uniform and avowed principle of conduct. 1Cor 9:20, "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews." Comp. Acts 21:23-26.

(g) "circumcised him, because" Gal 2:3-8, 5:1-3 (h) "Jews which were" 1Cor 9:20

Acts 17:14

Verse 14. The brethren. Those who were Christians.

Sent away Paul. In order to secure his safety. A similar thing had been done in Thessalonica, Acts 17:10. The tumult was great; and there was no doubt, such was the hostility of the Jews, that the life of Paul would be endangered, and they therefore resolved to secure his safety.

As it were. Rather, "even to the sea," for that is its signification. It does not imply that there was any feint or sleight in the case, as if they intended to deceive their pursuers. They took him to the sea coast, not far from Berea, and from that place he probably went by sea to Athens.

(b) "sent away Paul" Mt 10:23