Paul continues his second missionary journey, and, finding Timothy at Lystra and Derbe, wants to take him along. He has Timothy circumcised, not as a prerequisite for salvation, but because in his uncircumcised state, having a Jewish mother and Greek father, Timothy might have offended the Jews to the point where they wouldn't listen to the Gospel. From this account, we see that:

* We must constantly strive for maturity - comparing John Mark, whom Paul left behind, and Timothy, whom he wanted in the work.
* While the Lord is sovereign in matters of salvation, what we do and say may have an effect - the Lord brings people to Himself through our ministry.
* We must proclaim the correct doctrine - false doctrine must be strongly fought against.

These things challenge our behavior as Christians, and are applied accordingly.

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