Vincent Mercado Supporter Skeptic turned believer, Catholic, father of 3

Timothy (Greek: Timotheos, meaning "honored by God") was the first first-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, whom tradition relates died around the year AD 97. The New Testament indicates that Timothy traveled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. He is addressed as the recipient of the Epistles to Timothy.

He is mentioned in the Bible at the time of Paul's second visit to Lystra in Anatolia, where Timothy is mentioned as a "disciple". Timothy's mother was "a Jewish woman who was a believer" but his father was Greek, that is not a Jew. Timothy had not been circumcised, and Paul now ensured that this was done, according to the text, to ensure Timothy’s acceptability to the Jews they would be evangelizing to.
 
Timothy is venerated as an apostle, saint and martyr by the Eastern Orthodox Church, with his feast day on 22 January. The Roman Catholic calendar of saints venerates Timothy together with Titus with a memorial on 26 January. Along with Titus and Silas, he is commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church on 26 January. Timothy's feast is kept by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod on 24 January.

December 23 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

Good question, Sharon! He was THE MAN WHO CONFESSED A GOOD CONFESSION (1 Timothy 6:12). Here Paul encourages Timothy whom he fondly addresses, "To Timothy my true son in the faith," (1:2) and elsewhere as, "Timothy, my dear son." (2 Tim 1:2). He encourages him with this: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1 Tim 6:12).

As Paul contributes a full portrait of his spiritual son, many years his junior, let us string together the salient features of Timothy.

"He was the child of godly heritage (2 Tim. 1:5). His mother was a Christian Jewess and the daughter of another devout Jewess, Lois. His Greek father’s name is unknown. It may be that Eunice became a Christian when Paul visited Lystra, a town not far from Paul’s birthplace, Tarsus." --Lockyer

"Timothy was 'the son of a Jewish mother who was a believer but his father was a Greek.' (Acts 16:1 b) His mother Eunice was a Jewish believer. His grandmother, Lois, was also a devout follower of the God of Israel (2 Tim. 1:5). This just goes to show you that a Christian parent, maybe only one of the two, can exert great influence on his/her child for Christ! Growing up, this boy Timothy was introduced to the Scriptures at an early age, as his mother and grandmother read to him and taught him." --S. Hopper. 

I know what it is like to be the son of one Christian parent and the other not a Christian yet. My dad became a Christian and influenced me. My mom came around later.

My Grandma Mor Mor also had a huge spiritual impact on my life. I thank God for her!

So this we know about Timothy so far: "He was a youthful reader of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:15). From a 'babe' he had had knowledge of the Truth. How blessed children are if cradled in the things of God!" --Lockyer

"He was ordained as a minister of the Gospel (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6, 7). Conscious of Timothy’s unique gifts, especially of evangelism (Rom. 16:21; 2 Tim. 4:5), it was fitting that Paul should choose him as a companion and fellow-worker. Faithfully he served Paul 'as a son with his father,' in the furtherance of the Gospel (Phil. 2:22). How indispensable he became to the apostle (Acts 17:14, 15; 18:5; 20:4)!" --Lockyer

--You see, "After the uproar in Ephesus (Acts 19), Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem [Acts 20:22] See Acts 20:1-5 also. Because of a threat on his life, he went through Macedonia, then on to Miletus, to speak to the elders from Ephesus (Acts 20). Timothy was part of that team that accompanied Paul (Acts 20:3-4)." --Hopper 

There in Ephesus Timothy no doubt heard Paul say one of my favorite Bible verses, Acts 20:24, "[However,] I consider my life worth nothing to me. If only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

Timothy probably knew Paul better than any other person did, becoming like a son to Paul. He was on the receiving end of 2 letters from Paul, 1 and 2 Timothy, two of my most favorite books of the Bible! --Life Application Study Bible

February 19 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report