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Question

Why was Timothy circumcised? I would like to have your insight into the contrast of these two passages from the Book of Acts. I noticed that in Acts 15, Peter rebukes the crowd for questioning them on the practice of circumcision, saying it is by grace that we are saved. Then in Acts 16 Paul circumcises Timothy because "they knew his father was a Greek", which I assume means that they knew he was not circumcised?    Seems strange that Paul would not take that opportunity to preach the message that Peter preached in the previous chapter? Grace by faith, not by the Law.

Answer

The answer has everything to do with the motivation which lies behind what we do.

In Acts 15 Peter and the Apostles are concerned not to add anything to the cross of Jesus.  We are saved by faith alone in Jesus.  We are not saved  by our works and we are not to add anything to the cross.  Legalism comes in many forms and it is extremely enticing to the pride of man.

In Acts 16 the issue has now moved from "what is necessary to be saved" to "what is the most effective way to make the gospel known".  Paul evidently believed that Timothy's circumcision would remove an obstacle that would keep others from seeing Jesus.  The reasons behind Paul's thinking may be more subtle than we can know for sure.  He may have been concerned that since Timothy was half-Jewish that his non-circumcision would have been interpreted as a disregard for the Jewish roots of Christianity.  Whatever Paul's exact thinking was, one thing was certain then and remains so today: We often make sacrifices in order to love others and to show them Jesus that are not necessary for salvation.  To God alone be the glory!