16:1 Timotheus. Timothy was probably a convert of Paul’s from his previous missionary trip to Derbe and Lystra (note I Timothy 1:2). His mother and grandmother had trained him well in the Jewish Scriptures (see II Timothy 1:5; 3:15), and evidently all three had accepted Christ. Timothy was no doubt aware of Paul’s miraculous restoration after his stoning (Acts 14:20), and was ready and willing to take Mark’s place with Paul when asked. Since his father was a Greek (whether a Christian or not is never stated), he had never been circumcised, and Paul deemed it expedient (even though not required) to have this done before taking him into the synagogues with him, hoping thereby to avoid giving unnecessary offense to the Jews.