1. Paul decides to take Timothy (1-3)

Paul was looking for a young man whom he could train as a disciple and missionary. He had hoped to train Mark, but Mark could not endure the hardships of missionary life. When Paul returned to Lystra, where he had been stoned and left for dead, he met the small group of courageous believers. Among them were Timothy and his mother. Timothy had not been circumcised because his father was Greek. Paul had just won the battle about circumcision, and was visiting the churches with the good news that it was not necessary. But he circumcised Timothy anyway, because of the Jews. Perhaps he was training Timothy to be all things to all men.

2. Strengthened in the faith (4-5)

The believers were strengthened when they saw Paul's and Timothy's faith and, especially, when they learned that all they needed in order to be God's people was obedient faith.

Application: Lord, help me to be a good disciple of Jesus and a disciple-maker.
One Word: Be a disciple-maker