First, the members of God's Church at Lystra and Iconium, two cities in Asia Minor, spoke highly of Timothy's faith as evidenced by his conduct. Paul wanted Timothy to go with him. They were the grandmother and the mother of Paul's young protg Timothy. & l. 3. c. 16, 47. Good News Translation Paul wanted to take Timothy along with him, so he circumcised him. This great asserter of the cause of Christ was a disciple of St. Paul and born at Lystra in Lycaonia. Timothy's father was a heathen Greek (Hellen, not Hellenistes, a Greek-speaking Jew); this fact is twice mentioned (Acts 16:1,3). They commended Timothy to those who passed their way, including Paul, Luke and his companions. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Matthew 22:37-40). Bible Quiz: Fathers in the Bible Reasons for Hope* Jesus Who Was the Timothy of Acts 17? - Bible Study Mentor Space doesn't allow for more in this article about Timothy's early years. Concerning his parentage it is recorded that his father was a Gr. The Greeks commemorate his martyrdom on the 22nd of January, the day on which it is supposed he gave up his life in defense of the doctrine he had long labored to propagate; and during which time he had brought over great numbers of people to embrace the truth of the Christian religion. Paul calls him not only his dearly beloved son, but also his brother, the companion of his labors, and a man of God; observing that none was more united with him in heart and mind than Timothy (Romans 16:21, 1 Corinthians 4:17, 2:1, Colossians 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:2,18). That duty included insisting that others not deviate from God's truth in any way. His mother was Eunice. He had witnessed the sufferings of Paul, and loved him as his father in Christ (1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 3:10-11). When St. Paul returned from Rome, in 64, he left Timothy at Ephesus to take care of that church, of which he was first bishop, as he is recognized by the council of Chaceldon. What purpose could God's choice of the weak of the world accomplish? The fact that at that time, when no Christian friend was with Paul except Luke (2Timothy 4:11), it was to Timothy he turned for sympathy and aid, closing with the request that his own son in the faith should come to him, to be with him in his last hours, shows how true and tender was the affection which bound them together. Doing so can help us better understand Paul's high regard for Timothy. It is believed that Timothy's father died while Timothy was fairly young, which explains why Timothy was not brought up in the traditional Greek faith and belief system. Paul chose young Timothy to serve with him based on the recommendations of members of several congregations. Article David Sproule Thought for the Day Timothy was "the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek." It is believed, based upon Acts 16:1-3 and 2 Timothy 1:5 and 3:14-15, that Timothy's father did not become a Christian and may likely have even been dead by the time Paul came to Lystra. One could scarcely spend much time around Paul without also receiving threats of physical violence. Aristotel. Accordingly he sent on before him "into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus" (Acts 19:22). Profiles of Faith: Timothy - Paul's Son in the Faith. It is found in 2 Maccabees 12:21-24, as belonging to a general defeated by Judas Maccabeus, and appears in early Christian inscriptions in the Vatican Museum. He writes, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first . From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. When Christ returns He will set up the Kingdom of God at Jerusalem. This should be highly encouraging to all of us. God doesn't shirk from mentioning the names of people who set themselves against Him (as in Hymenaeus and Philetus, named in 2 Timothy 2:17), so it is encouraging to see how often God mentions the names of some who honored Him, especially when He gives honor to a disciple's parents. His mother was Jewish, an Israelite. He served the church at Ephesus, in Asia Minor, where members were predominantly gentile. and his mother a devout Christian Jewess ( Acts 16:1 ). It was his part in the apostolic calling, as this calling involved the oversight of existing churches. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. Answer. Speusippi, & l. 5. Who Is Timothy in the Bible? - Logos Bible Study Platform With God such is not the case. Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. 7 Soundtracks for Every Feeling in the Christian Life. Who Are Lois and Eunice in the Bible? - Christianity Whether Timothy was able to reach Rome, so as to be with Paul before his execution, is unknown. Why Should Teolology Matter to Christians? Legend has it that Timothy continued to minister to the congregation in Ephesus and was martyred under the Roman emperor Domitian (81-96) or Nerva (96-98) (Unger's Bible Dictionary, 1964, p. 1100). Timothy accompanied Paul on most of his second journey travels after he left Lystra. Paul reminded him, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also" (2 Timothy 1:5). On Paul's 3rd missionary journey, Timothy again accompanied him, though he is not mentioned until Ephesus was reached. Paul advised Timothy on these practical matters in a way that . For. Some think, based on comments in Paul's letters to him, that Timothy was timid. What year woould you graduate high school if you were born in 1968? I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. In order to conciliate the Jewish Christians, who would otherwise have caused trouble, which would have weakened Timothys position and his work as a preacher of the gospel, Paul took Timothy and circumcised him. Timothy was a young man who began traveling with Paul and Silas when they visited Lystra during the second missionary journey ( Acts 16:1 ). The other act which was performed for Timothys benefit, before he set out with Paul, was that he was ordained by the presbytery or local council of presbyters in Derbe and Lystra. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily" (Acts 16:1-5). Healing Prayers to Heal the Body, Mind, and Soul. He encountered persecution, faced it and weathered it well. Luke describes Timothy's mother as "a certain Jewish woman who believed" (Acts 16:1). Let's end where we started, in the book of 2 Timothy. Vit. 4:17 ). (1) A certain disciple was there, named Timotheus.We read with a special interest the first mention of the name of one who was afterwards so dear to the Apostle, his true son in the faith (1Timothy 1:2). For instance, in Acts 20:4 in a list of Paul's friends there are the names of "Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy"; this evidently infers that Timothy was not "of Derbe." On this 2nd visit to Derbe and Lystra, Paul was strongly attracted to Timothy, and seeing his unfeigned faith, and that from a child he had known the sacred Scriptures of the Old Testament (2Timothy 3:15), and seeing also his Christian character and deportment, and his entire suitability for the work of the ministry, he would have him "to go forth with him" (Acts 16:3). Timothy was quite young when he first met the apostle Paul. Timothy's name occurs in 2Corinthians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1. PrivacyPolicyTerms ofUse. The passage is one of several that shows the close relationship between Paul and Timothy but it tells us nothing about Timothy's actual father. Circumcised: Paul was willing to agree to this being done, on account of the fact that Timothy's mother was a Jewess. the son of a certain Jewess"The unfeigned faith which dwelt first in his grandmother Lois" descended to "his mother Eunice," and thence it passed to this youth (2Ti 1:5), who "from a child knew the Holy Scriptures" (2Ti 3:15). Answer: In case I missed something, I checked numerous commentaries. Some think, based on comments in Paul's letters to him, that Timothy was timid. What does the Bible say about Timothy? - BibleAsk Lystra was evidently Timothys native city. But, from that point onward, there are many notices of how he was occupied in the apostle's service. He instructed his protg on how to care for the congregation and proper worship (1 Timothy 1:1-20 and 1 Timothy 2:1-15), qualifications of elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-16), teaching sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1-16) and dealing with people (1 Timothy 5:1-25 and 1 Timothy 6:1-21). This was at an early period in Paul's apostolic career, and it is pleasing to find that to the end of the apostle's life Timothy was faithful to him. God is not impressed by anyone's outward appearance. Timothy Was Blessed for His Mother's and Grandmother's Faithfulness First Timothy presents the most explicit and complete instructions for church leadership and organization in the entire Bible. Although Paul the Apostle gets all the credit for being Timothy's mentor, the young boy's introduction into the Christian faith must be attributed to the love expressed by his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. Even Paul recognized the influence of Timothy's mother in II Timothy 1:5. We can learn much from the young evangelist Timothy, a Greek to gentiles, a Jew to Jews. Timothy was a strong Christian, and this was in part due to genuine faith of his mother. Interestingly, we learn this not from the Pastoral Epistles but from the book of Acts, Acts 16:1-3. His father was a Greek.Literally, of a Greek father. In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he mentions the faithfulness of these women in raising Timothy with such a devout and fervent faith. according to the better MSS). Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. God does things with purpose, so there must be some good reason why Lois's husband wasn't named. General Editor. 1915. Then when Timothy came and had given St. Paul an account of the churches of Macedonia, St. Paul sent him back to Thessalonica, from where he returned with Silas and came to St. Paul at Corinth. Timothy Bible Character - Paul's Protege in the Gospel - Learn Religions " I think Paul according to ICorinthians4:17". Yet a closer look tells a different story. Lois's husbandTimothy's grandfatheris not mentioned, which suggests, according to several commentaries, that he was deceased. What effects accomplishments did Francisco have. Philosoph. The way in which St. Paul writes to him, and of him, implies a constitution naturally not strong, and, in after life, weakened by a rigorous asceticism (1Timothy 5:23), emotional even to tears (2Timothy 1:4), naturally shrinking from hardships and responsibilities, yet facing them in the strength of Christ (1Corinthians 16:10). In connection with this salutation from Timothy, it should be noticed that it was Pauls custom to associate with his own name that of one or more of his companions, in the opening salutations in the Epistles. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. (s) Aelian. All rights reserved. Paul addresses Timothy as "my true son in the faith" ( 1 Timothy 1:2 ). He wrote to Timothy: "I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also" (2 Timothy 1:3-5, emphasis added throughout). From this point onward it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to trace the course of Paul's journeys, but he tells us that he had left Timothy as his delegate or representative in Ephesus (1Timothy 1:3); and soon thereafter he wrote the First Epistle to Timothy, in which he gave full instructions in regard to the manner in which he should conduct the affairs of the Ephesian church, until Paul himself should again revisit Ephesus: "These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly" (1Timothy 3:14). From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed. As an evangelist, Timothy helped bring God's truth to gentiles and Jews in a galvanizing way. I have a comment on one online question about whether Timothys father was a believer or not. What is a spiritual father? | GotQuestions.org If God used vain, egotistical people to do His work, a work of humility and service, how far would He get? Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. They quickly came to him there, and were immediately sent on an errand to the church in Thessalonica; "When we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone; and sent Timothy, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: that no man should be moved by these afflictions" (1Thessalonians 3:1,2,3 the King James Version). What is the word that goes with a public officer of a town or township responsible for keeping the peace? These are touching words shared by a mentor about his apprentice and friend, which the apostle Paul used to describe his connection with Timothy in the book of 1 Corinthians. Pauls hope was realized: he was set free; and once again Timothy was his companion in travel. Notice Paul's revelation about God's methods: "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. The churches in the neighborhood of Timothy's home, according to Acts 14:23, had been furnished with a body of presbyters soon after their founding" (Zahn, Introduction to the New Testament, II, 23). But it is probable that this law was not regarded very strictly by the Jews who lived in the midst of pagan nations. When Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, introduces Timothy, we read about Paul journeying to Derbe and Lystra. Paul also charged Timothy with instructing others not to listen to lies or myths about God and His truth, not to waste time in unproductive, distracting issues. More than once he nearly died. Of all Pauls friends, with the exception, perhaps, of Luke, Pauls beloved friend, Timothy was regarded by him with the tenderest affection; he was his dearly loved son, faithful and true. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". This great asserter of the cause of Christ was a disciple of St. Paul and born at Lystra in Lycaonia. His relation was not closer to one church than to the other churches of the province; its rise and disappearance did not affect at all the organization of the local congregations" (Zahn, Introduction to the New Testament, II, 34). A certain woman, called Eunice; being one of them that had believed in Christ in Judea, and had a holy woman to her mother, named Lois. Various defects have been alleged to exist in Timothy's character. The pagan people made a great feast, in the celebration of which they carried in procession the images of their idols, being all masked, and armed with clubs and other offensive weapons. Timothy fit the mold of other notable Bible personalities. Voddie Baucham's quote, "I choose to believe the Bible because it is a reliable collection of historical documents written down by eyewitnesses during the lifetime of other eyewitnesses. He appears to have possessed in a very high degree the confidence and affection of Paul, and is therefore often mentioned by him in terms of warm commendation (Acts 16:1, 17:14-15, 18:5, 19:22, 20:4, 2 Timothy 3:10, 4:5). Paul was right to recognize Lois and Eunice by name for their part in establishing Timothy in the faith. Acts 16:1-3 ESV - Paul came also to Derbe and to | Biblia Timothy accompanied him into Greece, where they abode three months. And behold, a certain disciple named Timotheus - It was to this disciple that Paul afterward addressed the two epistles which bear his name. He joined Paul during one of Paul's later missionary journeys. Timothy was acting as a temporary representative of Paul in his apostolic capacity at Ephesus, as he had done earlier in Corinth, and in Thessalonica and Philippi ( 1 Corinthians 4:17;  1 Thessalonians 3:2 f;   Philippians 2:19-23 ). What Do We Know about Timothy in the Bible? - Bible Study Tools On this 2nd visit to Derbe and Lystra, Paul was strongly attracted to Timothy, and seeing his unfeigned faith, and that from a child he had known the sacred Scriptures of the Old Testament ( 2 Timothy 3:15 ), and seeing also his Christian character and deportment, and his entire suitability for the work of the ministry, he would have him to go forth with him ( Acts 16:3 ). On the other hand, Timothy's position at the head of the churches of Asia was due to the position which he occupied as Paul's helper in missionary work. We find Timothy with him at Berea (Acts 17:14), having evidently accompanied him to all places visited by him up to that point, namely, Phrygia, the region of Galatia, Mysia, Troas, Neapoils, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica and Berea. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The adjective is used, as in the New Testament generally, to express the fact that he was a heathen. Who was Timothy's father in the Bible? Timothy. The son of a certain woman.Literally, of a certain woman, a faithful (or believing) Jewess. l. 3. in Vit. Paul mentions them by name in 2Timothy 1:5; he there speaks of the unfeigned faith which was in Timothy, and which dwelt at the first in Eunice and Lois. His father was a Gentile, but his mother was a Jew. Many great leaders act as mentors to someone younger, and such was the case with Paul and his "true son in the faith," Timothy. How Did He Help Paul? These persecutions occurred during the apostles first visit to these towns; and Timothy seems to have been one of those who were converted at that time, as we find that on Pauls next visit to Lystra and Derbe, Timothy was already one of the Christians there: He came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and behold a certain disciple was there, named Timothy (  Acts 16:1 ). These words make Paul's opening comments that much more poignant. He was a faithful courier for Paul. Eunice (biblical figure) - Wikipedia Eunice (biblical figure) Depiction of Eunice and Timothy by Henry Lejeune. Paul wanted Timothy to teach others the matters of faith that would build the congregations of God and encourage them to avoid endless debates that would detract from their spiritual growth. Writer and Author. The position which Timothy occupied in Ephesus, as it is described in 1 Timothy, cannot without doing the greatest violence to history be called that of a bishop, for the office of bishop existed only where the one bishop, superior to the presbytery, represented the highest expression of the common church life. They went together to Macedonia; and the apostle puts Timothys name with his own before the second Epistle to the Corinthians, which he wrote to them from Macedonia, about the middle of the year of Christ 57. He was a resident, and apparently a native, either of Lystra or Derbe, cities which were visited and evangelized by Paul on his 1st missionary journey (Acts 14:6). A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek. We see no suggestion that he deviated from what Paul had taught him. Time was running out for Paul and he knew it. What Every Christian Should Know about Timothy in the Bible Timothys mother was called Eunice, and his grandmother Lois. He uses people in different settings in different ways. Consider Luke's and Paul's opinion of Timothy. Why Was Timothy Circumcised? | Desiring God More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Why did God ask Noah to take 7 unclean animals on the ark? Share this: Like this: Loading. Eunice (biblical figure) - Wikipedia If Timothy went to Rome, and it is probable that he did, he must have been an eyewitness of the martyrdom of Paul, which happened in the year of Christ 68. Who were Lois and Eunice in the Bible? - CompellingTruth.org How much is a 1928 series b red seal five dollar bill worth? When St. Paul came to Athens, he sent for Timothy to come to him. Timothy's father was a Greek Gentile. It was his part in the apostolic calling, as this calling involved the oversight of existing churches. Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular. What is poor man and the rich man declamation about? He didn't come from the right background. Why Is it Important to Remember That Jesus Was Jewish? Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Timothy 4:6-16). The fact that at that time, when no Christian friend was with Paul except Luke ( 2 Timothy 4:11 ), it was to Timothy he turned for sympathy and aid, closing with the request that his own son in the faith should come to him, to be with him in his last hours, shows how true and tender was the affection which bound them together. What Can We Learn from Lois and Eunice in the Bible? - Crosswalk We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you . To cut around, circumcise. Acts 16:1-3 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: . Jerold Aust has served in the ministry for 52 years, as a public speaker for 58years, a published writer for 38years, and is employed by UCGs Media and Communications Services. From the Second Epistle still further detail can be gathered. Soon thereafter the riot in Ephesus occurred; and when it was over, Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and Greece. God tells us, again through Paul, that when He calls someone to represent Him He often passes over the apparently strong of the world for those the world might consider as weak. This was particularly the case in Asia Minor, where, although as early as the time of Revelation and the time of Ignatius, bishoprics were numerous and closely adjacent, the office always retained its local character. Proud member Timothy was now chosen by Paul to be one of his companions. Perhaps it was in Philippi that they rejoined each other, for not only had Paul expressed his intention of sending Timothy there, but he had also said that he hoped himself to visit the Philippian church ( Philippians 1:26;  Philippians 2:24 ). Process of transferring data to a storage medium? The Mentor Relationship: Paul and Timothy - Regent University She believed God's Word and obeyed it. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. King Saul's son Jonathan exhibited genuine faith in God, though his father failed in this regard. Of all Paul's friends, with the exception, perhaps, of Luke, Paul's beloved friend, Timothy was regarded by him with the tenderest affection; he was his dearly loved son, faithful and true. Timothy was acting as a temporary representative of Paul in his apostolic capacity at Ephesus, as he had done earlier in Corinth, and in Thessalonica and Philippi (1Corinthians 4:17; 1Thessalonians 3:2; Philippians 2:19-23). 40 Questions About Roman Catholicism by Gregg Allison. His mother was Jewish and his father was Greek. What is the relationship between Commerce and economics? Soon thereafter the riot in Ephesus occurred; and when it was over, Paul left Ephesus and went to Macedonia and Greece. (Acts 16:1-3)Timothy understood both cultures, so . "But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 1 Corinthians 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; Paul, Paulus. Who were Lois and Eunice in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Timothy's mother was called Eunice, and his grandmother Lois. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. The laying on of hands by the presbyters (  1 Timothy 4:14 ), and that by Paul ( 2 Timothy 1:6 ), are not mutually exclusive, especially since the former is mentioned merely as an accompanying circumstance of his endowment with special grace, the latter as the efficient cause of this endowment. 1.) Him therefore I hope to send forthwith.. So he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in those places and because he knew that Timothy's father was Greek. Vit. For God to really be able to use a person, that person must come to a recognition and acknowledgment of his human weakness. Timothy applied himself to labor in the gospel, and did Paul very important services through the whole course of his preaching. How do we deal with our daughter who has decided to be a homosexual? From Greece the apostle once more set his face toward Jerusalem, Timothy and others accompanying him (Acts 20:4). Every person is important to God. With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! Bibliography Information Orr, James, M.A., D.D. The father of Joseph and his brothers was Jacob. Paul had found him during one of his missionary journeys, and, discovering how highly he was esteemed as a Christian, had selected him as his assistant. According to Acts 16:1-3, Paul met Timothy while he was traveling through Lystra. They quickly came to him there, and were immediately sent on an errand to the church in Thessalonica; When we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone; and sent Timothy, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: that no man should be moved by these afflictions ( 1 Thessalonians 3:1 ,  1 Thessalonians 3:2 ,  1 Thessalonians 3:3 the King James Version). It is probable that of these two cities, it was Lystra treat was Timothy's native place. Timothy was now chosen by Paul to be one of his companions. May 25, 2022 "My beloved and faithful son in the Lord" ( 1 Cor. When St. Paul came to Derbe and Lystra, about 51 or 52 A.D., the brethren gave such an advantageous testimony of the merit and good disposition of Timothy that the apostle Paul took Timothy with him in order to assist him in propagating the doctrine of his great Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. How much authority should a pastor have over a church? So sincere was their faith in Christ, they are made mention of in the Bible, not just for who they were, but for the impact they had by the way they chose to live their everyday lives! Timothy's Birthplace and Family. Who was Timothy in the Bible? - Bible Portal Since Timothy's father was a gentile and his mother Jewish, and since Paul was aware that many Jews lived in the areas Paul and Timothy would visit, he circumcised young Timothy (Acts 16:3). Consider what these verses tell about the character of Eunice and Timothy. Have you ever heard of habit stacking? Timothy applied himself to labor with St. Paul in the business of the gospel and did him very important services. He had proceeded to Corinth, and it was while the apostle was in that city, that when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ ( Acts 18:5 ).