Timothy
Israelite / Jew Of Lystra; Jewish mother and Greek father (Acts 16:1) · Early Church · New Testament
- Also called
- Timotheus
- Name means
- 'honouring God'
- Role
- Paul's son in the faith and co-worker; pastor at Ephesus
- When
- c. AD 50-60s
What they did
Well reported of by the brethren, he joined Paul on his journeys, was sent to strengthen churches, and received the two letters to Timothy.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
Taught the Scriptures from childhood by his mother and grandmother, he shows how faith passes through families and how God uses young believers in his work.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
Bible references
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: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. Acts 16:1-3 (KJV)
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 1 Corinthians 4:17 (KJV)
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Philippians 2:19-22 (KJV)
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 2 Timothy 1:5 (KJV)
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)
Family
- Father
- A Greek, unnamed (Acts 16:1)
- Mother
- Eunice
His grandmother was Lois (2 Timothy 1:5).