Τοῦτον ἠθέλησεν ὁ Παῦλος σὺν αὐτῷ ἐξελθεῖν, καὶ λαβὼν περιέτεμεν αὐτὸν διὰ τοὺς Ἰουδαίους τοὺς ὄντας ἐν τοῖς τόποις ἐκείνοις· ᾔδεισαν γὰρ ἅπαντες τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ ὅτι Ἕλλην ὑπῆρχεν. (Acts 16:3)
Acts 16:3 opens a window into Paul’s apostolic strategy, where syntax, participles, and subordinate clauses become instruments of divine wisdom. Through a fine-grained grammatical study of this verse, we see how Paul adapts without compromising, acts decisively under pressure, and shapes a theological vision through linguistic precision.
The Verb That Leads: ἠθέλησεν
The main clause begins with τοῦτον ἠθέλησεν ὁ Παῦλος, a typical word order in Koine narrative that frontloads the object (τοῦτον, “this one”) for emphasis. The verb ἠθέλησεν is the aorist indicative active of θέλω, meaning “he wanted” or “he willed.” Here it introduces Paul’s deliberate initiative to bring Timothy along on his journey.
Grammatically, the infinitive clause σὺν αὐτῷ ἐξελθεῖν is the object of ἠθέλησεν, expressing what Paul desired. This structure is straightforward but powerful: volition and purpose are tightly bound, reinforced by the aorist tense for past decisive action.
Aorist Participle, Present Impact: λαβὼν
The next clause, καὶ λαβὼν περιέτεμεν αὐτὸν, showcases a classic aorist participle construction. λαβὼν (from λαμβάνω, “having taken”) precedes the main verb περιέτεμεν (“he circumcised”), indicating a prior action that sets the stage for the main verb.
This aorist participle is adverbial—most naturally temporal or causal in function. Paul took Timothy and, having done so, performed the circumcision. This structure telescopes Paul’s movement: decision, preparation, and action, all in flowing sequence.
Purpose and Pressure: διὰ τοὺς Ἰουδαίους
The phrase διὰ τοὺς Ἰουδαίους introduces the motive. Here, διά with the accusative expresses reason or because of—not agency. Paul’s circumcision of Timothy was not for theological reasons (cf. Galatians), but pragmatic ones: to avoid hindrance in Jewish communities.
It’s further qualified by the participial phrase τοὺς ὄντας ἐν τοῖς τόποις ἐκείνοις, which specifies these Jews as those who were in the regions Paul and Timothy would enter. The grammar reveals that Paul’s missionary method is acutely sensitive to context.
Known to All: ᾔδεισαν γὰρ ἅπαντες
The explanatory clause ᾔδεισαν γὰρ ἅπαντες (“for they all knew”) provides the rationale. The verb ᾔδεισαν is the pluperfect of οἶδα, functioning as a past perfective: “they had known.” The shift in tense implies established knowledge—Timothy’s Greek father was no secret. This makes Timothy’s uncircumcised status a potential obstacle.
The clause ὅτι Ἕλλην ὑπῆρχεν uses ὑπῆρχεν (imperfect of ὑπάρχω) to describe the continuous state: “he was a Greek.” Here, ὑπάρχω conveys identity, not just existence. It is the father’s Gentile identity, not Timothy’s faith, that becomes the tension point.
Syntax Table: Tracking Paul’s Decisions
| Greek Phrase | Grammar Role | Interpretive Insight |
|---|---|---|
| ἠθέλησεν… ἐξελθεῖν | Main verb + complementary infinitive | Paul initiates the journey with intentionality |
| λαβὼν περιέτεμεν | Aorist participle + main verb | Temporal sequence: taking then circumcising |
| διὰ τοὺς Ἰουδαίους | Causal prepositional phrase | Missionary accommodation, not doctrinal concession |
| ᾔδεισαν γὰρ ἅπαντες | Pluperfect main clause | Implies long-standing public awareness |
Grammatical Obedience and Evangelistic Wisdom
Acts 16:3 is more than a travel log. Its grammar reflects Paul’s theology of freedom and sacrifice. He refuses to circumcise Titus (Galatians 2), but here circumcises Timothy—not under compulsion, but to remove barriers. Every clause, participle, and verb tense illuminates Paul’s careful stewardship of both doctrine and mission.
Grammar, in this passage, is the skeleton of spiritual discernment—quietly but clearly shaping a story of missional integrity and apostolic love.
