Verses 1-3
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Verse 3a. As a more mature believer, it is a good idea to bring along less mature believers when you do any kind of work for the kingdom, as an example for them to see. This helps them grow.
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Verse 3b. Even though Timothy did not need to be circumcised, as a believer, Paul had him circumcised in order to avoid unnecessary problems or offenses while preaching to Jews (since Jews expected circumcision). Circumcision was not necessary for Timothy to be saved, but it was necessary for him to be able to reach this Jewish audience.
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Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-20. As believers, although there is no work of our own that achieves salvation, there are many uncomfortable works that we will have to do in order to win souls.
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Do your best, even if you must do something uncomfortable, to relate to the people you're trying to share Christ with. This is the selfless thing to do.
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Respect the cultural expectations of your audience. Do not try to be repulsive or contradictory if you don't have to.
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Verses 4-5
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Believers will be strengthened when the commands of Scripture for them are made clear.
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Know what you should be taking action on, as a believer, and help other believers know the same. It will help you grow.
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Verses 6-10
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Not all people are ready to hear the gospel. This is why the Spirit stopped Paul and his companions from going to certain places.
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Do not be too quick to share the gospel with just anyone, and learn to hear from the Spirit. This will help you to be the most effective with your time.
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Verses 11-15
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Verse 13. If you're looking for a place to share Christ with someone, it can be a good idea to go where people gather to talk about religion/God.
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Verse 14. When you are sharing the gospel with someone, remember that God is the one who opens their heart to receive. Trust that God Himself will persuade the people who are ready to receive. Don't rely on the persuasiveness of your own words.
Verses 16-24
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Verse 16-17. Understand that people can be demon-possessed and still say things that appear godly.
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Verse 18. Notice that Paul, even though he was annoyed, did not immediately cast out the demon. Many days had passed before he did.
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Do not do things quickly out of emotion or frustration. Be patient and learn to be led by the Spirit.
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Saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ, come out,” is sufficient to cast out a demon. Keep it simple.
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Verse 19. Many people make their living on demonic or sinful things. Understand that bringing people to repentance will be a threat to many in the world.
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As you become more effective, do not be surprised when winning souls causes persecution to increase.
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Verses 25-34
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Joy in the midst of suffering creates a powerful draw to unbelievers.
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Use your mouth, even out loud, to pray and praise God when things are hard. This will lift your attitude to a better place—a place that can even bring about miracles or tangible experiences of God's presence.
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Try singing! Singing worship songs helps to bring joy.
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Verses 31-32. Share Christ with families, not just individuals. If you bring an individual to Christ, see if you can gain access to the family also.
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Also note that there is a greater chance of family members being if one person in a family is saved, it increases the chances of their family members being saved as well (1 Corinthians 7:14).
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- The jailer asked for salvation when right after he was about to kill himself. When a person comes to the end of themselves, this is when they seek eternal life. Encourage people to notice the meaninglessness of life without God, and this can help them to seek life eternal.
Verses 35-39
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It is ok for believers to expect that their authorities will honor governing laws.
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Do not be repulsive to authorities, but it is ok to stand on your rights as a citizen, in cases where authorities are not honoring your rights.
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Verse 40
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Especially if you are going to be with certain believers briefly, focus on saying/doing what will be encouraging or uplifting to them. Make your time with believers intentional, and be present with them.