Acts 16:1

[Salty]

... Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:


Does this verse imply that Tim's dad was not a Christian
or
Does this verse imply that Tim's parents were in a mixed marriage
or
Does this verse imply something else?

 

[canadyjd]

... Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

Does this verse imply that Tim's dad was not a Christian
or
Does this verse imply that Tim's parents were in a mixed marriage
or
Does this verse imply something else?

If I remember, Timothy’s mother and grandmother are mentioned, but not his father (beyond this passage).

His father either was not a Christian or wasn’t around for some unknown reason.

If I remember correctly, the reason the father is mentioned here as being Greek was to explain why Timothy wasn’t circumcised.

peace to you

 

[Alan Gross]

If I remember correctly, the reason the father is mentioned here as being Greek was to explain why Timothy wasn’t circumcised.

And it implies that Timothy's father was of the uncircumcision, being Greek, also.

 

[canadyjd]

And it implies that Timothy's father was of the uncircumcision, being Greek, also.

I think you meant to say it implied Timothy was considered by Jewish leaders to be Greek, rightly or wrongly.

It would present problems for his access to areas in Jerusalem and the Temple.

peace to you

 

[Alan Gross]

I think you meant to say it implied Timothy was considered by Jewish leaders to be Greek, rightly or wrongly.

It would present problems for his access to areas in Jerusalem and the Temple.

peace to you

They did.

 

[kyredneck]

If I remember correctly, the reason the father is mentioned here as being Greek was to explain why Timothy wasn’t circumcised.

Why circumcise one, but not the other?:

1 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.
2 The same was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Acts 16

3 But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
4 and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
5 to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. Gal 2

 

[canadyjd]

Good question.

Titus was with Paul in Jerusalem when the issue of circumcise among Gentile converts was being discussed. Titus was not compelled. That is a major theme in Galatians, where some were telling Gentile converts they must keep the law of circumcise.

Timothy was circumcised because of Jewish leaders (that knew his mother was Jewish) in the area of the ministry so as not to distract from the gospel being proclaimed. Sort of the “being all things to all men so that by all means” some may be saved.

peace to you

 

[Van]

the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but whose father was a Greek.

Here is the part of Acts 16:1 at issue. The Greek word translated "but" contrasts something said before with something said after. Two things were said before, Jewish woman and a believer. After, we have a male Greek. Thus, the likely answer is a mixed marriage, comprised of a Greek and a Jew. To assume the father was not a believe is certainly possible, but should not be taught as doctrine. His son was open to the gospel, and therefore the father did not train Timothy to reject the God of scripture.

The verse suggests Timothy's father was not a Jewish believer, a proselyte.