Acts 16:1
New International Version
Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.

New Living Translation
Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek.

English Standard Version
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.

Berean Standard Bible
Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father.

Berean Literal Bible
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father,

King James Bible
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

New King James Version
Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.

New American Standard Bible
Now Paul also came to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek,

NASB 1995
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek,

NASB 1977
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Paul also arrived at Derbe and at Lystra. And behold, a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek,

Amplified Bible
Now Paul traveled to Derbe and also to Lystra. A disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer [in Christ], however, his father was a Greek.

Christian Standard Bible
Paul went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then he went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek.

American Standard Version
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess that believed; but his father was a Greek.

Contemporary English Version
Paul and Silas went back to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a follower named Timothy. His mother was also a follower. She was Jewish, and his father was Greek.

English Revised Version
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess which believed; but his father was a Greek.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Paul arrived in the city of Derbe and then went to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived. Timothy's mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was Greek.

Good News Translation
Paul traveled on to Derbe and Lystra, where a Christian named Timothy lived. His mother, who was also a Christian, was Jewish, but his father was a Greek.

International Standard Version
Paul also went to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish wife whose husband was a Greek.

Majority Standard Bible
Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father.

NET Bible
He also came to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but whose father was a Greek.

New Heart English Bible
He came also to Derbe and Lystra. And look, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who believed; but his father was a Greek.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then he came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain woman who was a Jewess, and believed, but his father was a Greek.

Weymouth New Testament
He also came to Derbe and to Lystra. At Lystra he found a disciple, Timothy by name--the son of a Christian Jewess, though he had a Greek father.

World English Bible
He came to Derbe and Lystra; and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed, but his father was a Greek.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he came to Derbe and Lystra, and behold, a certain disciple was there, by name Timotheus, son of a certain woman, a believing Jewess, but of a father, a Greek,

Berean Literal Bible
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father,

Young's Literal Translation
And he came to Derbe and Lystra, and lo, a certain disciple was there, by name Timotheus son of a certain woman, a believing Jewess, but of a father, a Greek,

Smith's Literal Translation
And he arrived at Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, by name Timothy, son of a certain woman, a faithful Jewess; and of a Greek father:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
AND he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, there was a certain disciple there named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman that believed; but his father was a Gentile.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then he arrived at Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a faithful Jewish woman, his father a Gentile.

New American Bible
He reached [also] Derbe and Lystra where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.

New Revised Standard Version
Paul went on also to Derbe and to Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THEN he arrived at the city of Der’be and Lys’tra: there was there a disciple whose name was Timo’the-us, the son of a Jewess convert, but whose father was a Syr’ian.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And he arrived at the city Derby and at Lystra, but a disciple was there whose name was Timotheus, son of a certain Jewess believer, and his father was an Aramaean. -
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he came to Derbe and Lystra; and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess, who was a believer; but his father was a Greek.

Godbey New Testament
And he arrived into Derbe and Lystra. And, behold, a certain disciple was there, by name Timothy, the son of a faithful Jewish woman, and a Greek father,

Haweis New Testament
THEN he came to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold! a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman, who believed; but his father was a Greek:

Mace New Testament
Paul arrived then at Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, whose mother was a Jewish convert, but his father a Greek.

Weymouth New Testament
He also came to Derbe and to Lystra. At Lystra he found a disciple, Timothy by name--the son of a Christian Jewess, though he had a Greek father.

Worrell New Testament
And he came down also to Derbe and to Lystra. And, behold, a certain disciple was there, Timothy by name, son of a believing Jewish woman, but of a Grecian father;

Worsley New Testament
Then he came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold there was a certain disciple there, named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewess, but of a Grecian father.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
1 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. 2The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.…

Cross References
2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:19-22
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing. / I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs. / For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ...

1 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Corinthians 4:17
That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.

1 Thessalonians 3:2
We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

2 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 4:5
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Galatians 2:3
Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.

Romans 16:21
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.

1 Corinthians 16:10
If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.

2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:

Colossians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,


Treasury of Scripture

Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

to Derbe.

Acts 14:6,21
They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: …

2 Timothy 3:11
Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

named.

Acts 17:14
And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

Acts 18:5
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

Acts 19:22
So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

which.

2 Timothy 1:5
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

2 Timothy 3:15,16
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus…

but.

Acts 14:1
And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

Ezra 9:2
For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.

1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

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Believed Believer Believing Christian Derbe Disciple Faith Found Greek Jewess Jewish Jews Lystra Mother Paul Timotheus Timothy
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Believed Believer Believing Christian Derbe Disciple Faith Found Greek Jewess Jewish Jews Lystra Mother Paul Timotheus Timothy
Acts 16
1. Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,
7. and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,
14. convert Lydia,
16. and cast out a spirit of divination;
19. for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.
25. The prison doors are opened.
31. The jailor is converted,
35. and they are delivered.














Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra
This phrase sets the geographical and historical context for the events that follow. Derbe and Lystra were cities in the region of Galatia, part of modern-day Turkey. These cities were significant in Paul's missionary journeys. The Greek word for "came" (ἦλθεν) indicates a purposeful arrival, suggesting Paul's intentional mission to spread the Gospel. Historically, Lystra was a Roman colony, and its mention here highlights the spread of Christianity into diverse cultural and political landscapes.

where a disciple named Timothy lived
The introduction of Timothy is crucial, as he becomes a significant figure in the New Testament. The term "disciple" (μαθητής) implies a learner or follower, indicating Timothy's commitment to the teachings of Christ. Timothy's presence in Lystra suggests the early establishment of Christian communities in this region. His mixed heritage, being the son of a Jewish mother and a Greek father, symbolizes the bridging of cultural divides through the Gospel.

whose mother was a Jewish believer
This phrase highlights the faith of Timothy's mother, Eunice, who is later named in 2 Timothy 1:5. The Greek term for "believer" (πιστή) denotes faithfulness and trust in God. Her Jewish heritage and belief in Christ reflect the early Christian movement's roots in Judaism and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through Jesus.

but his father was a Greek
The mention of Timothy's Greek father underscores the cultural and religious diversity within early Christian communities. The Greek term used here (Ἕλλην) refers to a Gentile, indicating that Timothy was raised in a household with both Jewish and Greek influences. This background uniquely positioned Timothy to minister to both Jews and Gentiles, embodying the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

XVI.

(1) A certain disciple was there, named Timotheus.--We read with a special interest the first mention of the name of one who was afterwards so dear to the Apostle, his "true son in the faith" (1Timothy 1:2). On his probable conversion on St. Paul's first mission in Lystra, see Notes on Acts 14:6; Acts 14:19. We have to think of him as still young; probably, as his youth is spoken of some twelve years later in 1Timothy 4:12, not more than eighteen or twenty; but in the six years that had passed since St. Paul's departure he had been conspicuous for his devotion and "unfeigned faith." He had been trained to know the sacred Books of Israel from his childhood (2Timothy 3:15); and the fact that he had obtained a good report from the brethren at Iconium as well as Lystra shows that he had been already employed in carrying on intercourse between the two churches. The way in which St. Paul writes to him, and of him, implies a constitution naturally not strong, and, in after life, weakened by a rigorous asceticism (1Timothy 5:23), emotional even to tears (2Timothy 1:4), naturally shrinking from hardships and responsibilities, yet facing them in the strength of Christ (1Corinthians 16:10). The name Timotheus was not uncommon. It is found in 2 Maccabees 12:21-24, as belonging to a general defeated by Judas Maccabeus, and appears in early Christian inscriptions in the Vatican Museum. Its meaning ("one who honours God") made it a suitable name for the child of a proselyte. . . .

Verse 1. - And he came also for then came he, A.V. and T.R.; to Lystra for Lystra, A.V.; Timothy for Timotheus, A.V.; of a Jewess for of a certain woman which was a Jewess, A.V. and T.R.; which for and, A.V. For Derbe and Lystra, see Acts 14. and notes. This time St. Paul visited Derbe first, whereas before he came from Lystra to Derbe (Acts 14:6, 8, 21). Was there; viz. at Lystra (see 2 Timothy 3:11). A certain disciple; i.e. a Christian (Acts 11:26). From St. Paul's speaking of Timothy as "my own sou in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2), and from his special mention of Timothy's mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5), it is probable that both mother and son were converted by St. Paul at his first visit to Lystra, some years before (Acts 14:7). Timothy. It is a Greek name, meaning "one who honors God" (formed, like Timoleon, Timolaus, Timocrates, etc.). It was a not uncommon name, and occurs repeatedly in the Books of the Maccabees (1 Macc. 5:6; 2 Macc. 8:30, etc.). Another form is Timesitheos. Timothy is uniformly spoken of by St. Paul in terms of eulogy and warm affection (see, besides the passages above quoted, Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 16:10; Philippians 2:19-22; and the general tone of the Epistles to Timothy). A Jewess; viz. Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5), also a Greek name (equivalent to Victoria), though borne by a Jewess. A Greek; i.e. a Gentile (see Hark 7:26; Acts 14:1; Acts 17:4; Acts 19:10; Romans 1:16; Romans 2:9; 1 Corinthians 10:32, etc.; Colossians 3:11). Had his father been a proselyte, it would probably have been said that he was (Bengel).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[Paul] came
Κατήντησεν (Katēntēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2658: From kata and a derivative of anti; to meet against, i.e. Arrive at.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Derbe
Δέρβην (Derbēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1191: Of foreign origin; Derbe, a place in Asia Minor.

and then
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Lystra,
Λύστραν (Lystran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3082: Lystra, a place in Asia Minor.

[where]
ἐκεῖ (ekei)
Adverb
Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.

[he found]
ἰδοὺ (idou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!

a
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

disciple
μαθητής (mathētēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

named
ὀνόματι (onomati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

Timothy,
Τιμόθεος (Timotheos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5095: Timothy, a Christian of Lystra, helper of Paul. From time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian.

[the] son
υἱὸς (huios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of a believing
πιστῆς (pistēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.

Jewish
Ἰουδαίας (Ioudaias)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

woman
γυναικὸς (gynaikos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

and
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

a Greek
Ἕλληνος (Hellēnos)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 1672: From Hellas; a Hellen or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew.

father.
πατρὸς (patros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.


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NT Apostles: Acts 16:1 He came to Derbe and Lystra: (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 15:41
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