The Apostles: Timothy
Timothy served as a protégé to his mentor, Paul.
The name Timothy means honouring God or honoured by God.
He was born in Lystra to a Greek father and Jewish, follower of Christ, mother.
“Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believerbut whose father was a Greek.” {Acts 16:1}
His mother and grandmother are listed by name in 2 Timothy 1:5. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
“The believers at Lystra and Iconiumspoke well of him.” {Acts 16:2}
He is clearly well thought of and liked.
While Paul was on his second missionary journey, he and Silas met Timothy.
He would go on to travel with Paul and become his companion and disciple. He journeyed with Paul to Ephesus and Corinth and was sent by his mentor to Macedonia and Troas.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 16:10 “When Timothycomes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.” This leads many scholars to believe he may have been timid and reserved in nature.
“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.” {Philippians 2:19-20}
Paul writes of the help this man has provided. He assisted in preaching the gospel as well as a companion in their travels and work. Paul writes of how he sees Timothy.
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his fatherhe has served with me in the work of the gospel. .” {Philippians 2:22}
Timothy has become like a son to him throughout their years of ministry together.
He is the recipient of the New Testament books 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy.
Historians tell us Timothy preached against the pagan goddesses and was beaten, dragged through the streets and stoned when he was about eighty years old.
Timothy willingly gave up all to learn and serve alongside Paul and to suffer for the kingdom.