Timothy
“Honoring God; or one who honors God”
Summary
Paul's beloved spiritual son and trusted co-worker, a native of Lystra who became one of the most constant companions of the apostle throughout his missionary journeys.
☩Family Background
Timothy was the son of a mixed marriage—his mother Eunice was a Jewish believer, while his father was a Greek (Gentile). The absence of any reference to his father in Acts or the Epistles suggests he died during Timothy's infancy. Timothy was raised by his mother and grandmother Lois, both women of 'unfeigned faith,' who taught him the Holy Scriptures from childhood. His probable hometown was Lystra in Lycaonia.
☩Conversion and Calling
Timothy was likely converted during Paul's first missionary journey when the apostle visited Lystra. He may have witnessed the stoning of Paul and the subsequent events recorded in Acts 14. When Paul returned on his second journey, Timothy was already well-spoken of by believers in Lystra and Iconium. Prophetic utterances pointed to him as specially suited for missionary work, and he was ordained by the laying on of hands by both Paul and the local presbytery.
☩Circumcision
Though Timothy had a Jewish mother, he had not been circumcised—possibly due to his father's objections. Paul circumcised him before taking him on as a companion, not as a matter of principle (as with Titus), but to remove an obstacle to ministry among Jews who knew his background. This pragmatic decision was consistent with Paul's principle of becoming 'all things to all men' for the gospel's sake.
☩Missionary Companion
Timothy accompanied Paul throughout his second and third missionary journeys, proving himself a faithful son and servant. He was with Paul in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and Corinth. Paul sent him on delicate missions to troubled churches—to Thessalonica during persecution, to Corinth during their divisions, and to Philippi. His name appears alongside Paul's in the greetings of six epistles.
☩Character
Paul praised Timothy's genuine care for others and his unselfish devotion, saying 'I have no one like-minded, who will naturally care for your state.' Yet Timothy had a naturally timid disposition and required encouragement. Paul's letters urge him to overcome fear, avoid youthful lusts, and endure hardship as a good soldier. He apparently had delicate health, prompting Paul's advice about using wine for his stomach's sake.
☩Ministry at Ephesus
Paul left Timothy at Ephesus to oversee the church and combat false teaching. The two epistles addressed to him contain detailed instructions for church order, the selection of elders and deacons, and the handling of various pastoral situations. Tradition identifies Timothy as the first bishop of Ephesus, and some suggest he may be the 'angel' of the church at Ephesus addressed in Revelation.
Related Verses35 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Timothy," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Timothy," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Timothy," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).