When Sharing the Gospel Requires Sacrifice

 “Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek” (NIV).

Acts 16:3

Dear Friends,

Looking back, I have a greater appreciation for why my parents gave up an anticipated vacation many years ago. I was away working at a summer camp and waiting for their visit. But at the last minute they decided to cancel the trip when they got the news that our neighbor’s 14-year-old-son had run away from home. Over the years our family had prayed and witnessed to this family about God’s plan of salvation, and now there was a crisis.

Rather than leave our friends high and dry during this difficult time, my mom and dad cancelled the trip so they could be a help and support to them. My dad helped the runaway’s father take necessary action to find the young man, all the while praying for his safe return. This sacrificial act of love paved the way for sharing the gospel with the distraught father and frightened family.

Sometimes sharing the gospel requires us to sacrifice something we have every right to enjoy. The Apostle Paul understood this principle well. He was willing to set aside personal freedoms if doing so would remove obstacles to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Removing Obstacles to Sharing the Gospel

After departing from Antioch, Paul and Silas traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia. When they came to Derbe and Lystra, they met a disciple there named Timothy. This young man was the son of a Jewish believing mother, but his father was Greek. Timothy was well spoken of by the other believers in the towns of Lystra and Iconium.

Paul, also impressed by the young man, wanted to take him on this second missionary trip, but he foresaw a problem. The Jews in those parts knew that Timothy’s father was Greek. So, to minimize any prejudice, Paul had Timothy circumcised.

This is an interesting turn of events considering that previously the apostles and elders had affirmed that circumcision was not necessary for salvation. Paul advocated for and wholeheartedly agreed with the decision that salvation comes from faith in Christ alone with no need for external acts such as this. Timothy’s circumcision, rather than contradict this truth, was instead an opportunity for him to set aside his personal freedoms and remove potential obstacles to the spread of the gospel.

As he traveled with Paul and Silas, the three men delivered the message affirmed by the Jerusalem Council – salvation comes by grace through faith alone. They also shared the few decrees given by the apostles and elders meant to promote unity among Jews and Gentiles alike.

Luke, the writer of Acts, tells us:

“So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily” (Acts 16:5).

What Are We Willing to Sacrifice?

Today, as in Paul’s day, circumcision or other actions such as church attendance or good deeds are not needed for salvation. But sometimes we are called to set aside our freedoms and preferences as an act of love to reach those who don’t yet know Christ.

Timothy agreed to the painful process of circumcision. My mom and dad cancelled a vacation.

What personal freedoms or preferences stand in the way of sharing the gospel? Perhaps one willing sacrifice could open the door for someone to hear God’s life-changing message.

Love,

Mama

Has someone made a personal sacrifice that helped you see the love of Christ? I’d love to hear your story in the comments. And if this message encouraged you, please share it with someone who might need the reminder.

This reflection is part of my Walking Through the Book of Acts devotional series, where we explore the early church, the work of the Holy Spirit, and what it means to follow God with courage and faith.