Introduction
Timothy (Greek: Timotheos) was born circa AD 20 (3780–3781 in the Hebrew calendar) in the Roman province of Cappadocia. He was a Christian Gentile from the city of Lystra in the region of Lycaonia. Timothy was the son of a Greek pagan man. However, his mother was a Jewish woman named Eunice who, with her mother Lois, was known for her sincere faith (see 2 Tim. 1:5). The Greek name Timotheos (G5095) means "honor of God" (timē; G5092; Theos, G2316). Timothy knew the Old Testament scriptures very well from an early age, leading him to have salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (see 2 Tim. 3:15).
Timothy was close friends with Paul of Tarsus. He appears as Paul's co-author in the following letters: Second Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, Second Thessalonians, and Philemon. In his letter to the church of Philippi, Paul commended Timothy: "I have no one else like him . . . you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel" (Phil. 2:20-22).
Timothy: In the Honor of God
In AD 52, the Christian faith arrived in Timothy's native Lystra when Paul healed a disabled man, leading many to believe his teaching (see Acts 14:8-19). When Paul returned to the city a few years later with Silas, Timothy was already a respected member of the Lystra and Iconium churches. Because his father was a Gentile, Timothy had not been circumcised on the eighth day according to the Law of Moses (see Lev. 12:2-4). So, Paul had Timothy circumcised to ensure that the Jews they would evangelize could accept him as one of their own (see Acts 16:1-3). However, Paul's decision about Timothy did not negate the Council of Jerusalem circa AD 50, when Jesus' brother James ruled that Christian Gentiles did not have to be circumcised (see Acts 15:1-35). Timothy joined Paul and Silas on their journey to Macedonia in AD 52. He first learned as a disciple but graduated quickly to be Paul's co-worker in the gospel. Paul described Timothy as timid (see 1 Cor. 16:10). He was often sick, so Paul encouraged him to drink some wine for his stomach (see 1 Tim. 5:23).
Paul wrote his letter to the Romans from Corinth during the winter of AD 57; Timothy was there, too (see Rom. 16:21). He then joined Paul in Macedonia around Passover AD 58 before sailing to Troas (see Acts 20:3-6). In AD 64, Paul laid hands on Timothy, appointing him to lead the church of Ephesus as its overseer (episkopos; G1985, "bishop;" cf. 1 Tim 1:3; 4:14). That same year, Paul was in prison at Caesarea Maritima, awaiting his trial before the emperor Nero (AD 37–68) in Rome. He called for his faithful co-worker Timothy one last time. Paul's first letter to Timothy was about the roles and responsibilities of church leadership. However, the second letter was Paul's last will:
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. . . . I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments (2 Tim. 4:6-8; 12-13).
Incidentally, Timothy was jailed at least once, according to the writer of Hebrews (13:23).
Conclusion
Timothy, a figure of significant influence in the early Christian community, embodies the fusion of diverse backgrounds and unwavering faith. Born into a household of mixed religious heritage, his upbringing under the guidance of his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, laid the foundation for his profound understanding of the scriptures. Through his intimate association with Paul of Tarsus, Timothy became a trusted companion and a co-laborer in spreading the gospel message. His contributions are evident in the letters penned jointly with Paul and in the commendations bestowed upon him by the apostle himself. Paul's words in his letter to the Philippians resonate with admiration and respect for Timothy's dedication and service in the work of the gospel. As a testament to his character and commitment, Timothy stands as a beacon of virtue and devotion for generations to come. The legacy of Timothy, the "honor of God," endures through his enduring influence on the early Christian church and the timeless wisdom contained within the epistles attributed to him. His life serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the profound impact of individuals who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the service of God and humanity.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of the universe; you called your servant Timothy to preach the gospel to the people of Macedonia, Greece, and Asia. Raise in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom that your church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Bibliography
The Book of Common Prayer. Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019. p. 638. http://bcp2019.anglicanchurch.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/BCP2019.pdf.
Graves, Dan. "Who Was Timothy in the Bible? How Did He Help Paul?" Christianity.com. Richmond: Salem Web Network, 2012. https://www.christianity.com/bible/people-of-the-bible/st-timothy-pauls-associate-11629587.html.
Houdmann, S. Michael. "Who Was Timothy in the Bible?" Colorado Springs: Got Questions. https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Timothy.html.
Rutherfurd, John. "Timothy." Eds. James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1939. https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/T/timothy.html.
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