4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.
5 So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.” Acts 16:1-5.
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Although it was not necessary for Paul to circumcise Timothy according to the “decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem” (see Acts Chapter 15), Paul voluntarily elected to circumcise Timothy “because of the Jews who were in those parts”. Paul used his liberty to do what was best. Knowing that the Jews would want to see Timothy circumcised, Paul circumcised Timothy.
We are reminded of 1 Corinthians 9:19:23. “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” 1 Corinthians 9:19:23.
And what was the result? “So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.” Acts 16:5.
Obviously, there are things over which we as Christians have liberty to do. And, there are other things over which we as Christians do not have liberty to do. The chapter of 1 Corinthians 9 gives some examples of things over which Paul had liberty to do. There are also other things over which we also have liberty to do.
For those things over which we have liberty to do, we should not only do those things that we selfishly want to do. “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.
Rather, we should follow Paul’s example and give thought and do what would help others, most importantly lead them to salvation. “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 