Timothy
Raised by his mother and grandmother on the Scriptures, he became Paul’s "dearly beloved son."
New Testament · 1st century · Acts, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Philippians · Also known as Timotheus, Paul’s son in the faith
About Timothy
Timothy was a young disciple from Lystra, son of a believing Jewish mother and a Greek father, "well reported of by the brethren." Paul took him along on his travels, and he became one of Paul’s most trusted co-workers, sent to strengthen churches and named as co-sender of several letters. Paul wrote that Timothy’s faith "dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice," and that "from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures." Two of Paul’s letters are addressed to him: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers."
Timothy has no recorded words, so this guide speaks about him. Paul sent him to Corinth, Philippi and Thessalonica, and left him to lead the church in Ephesus. Paul’s letters to him are among the "pastoral letters."
The story
Well reported of
At Lystra "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." Paul wanted him to come along on his journey.
Acts 16:1-3
Lois and Eunice
Paul wrote to him, "I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice." And, "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 1:5; 3:14-15
As a son with the father
Paul wrote to the Philippians, "I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state… 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
Let no man despise thy youth
Paul left Timothy in Ephesus and wrote to him: "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." And in his last letter: "Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me."
1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 4:9
Key moments
- Joins Paul at Lystra: "Well reported of." (Acts 16:2-3)
- Raised on the Scriptures: By Lois and Eunice. (2 Timothy 1:5)
- Paul’s trusted messenger: "As a son with the father." (Philippians 2:22)
- Leads in Ephesus: "Let no man despise thy youth." (1 Timothy 4:12)
Questions about Timothy
How did Timothy learn about God?
Through his family. Paul wrote of "the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice," and reminded him that "from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures." His father was Greek, and Acts doesn’t say he believed. Timothy’s faith was passed down through the women of his family.
Was Timothy young?
Paul wrote, "Let no man despise thy youth," so he was young for a leader, though Scripture doesn’t give his age. "Youth" in that culture could include men in their thirties. Paul’s advice was to lead by example: "in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Connected people
- Paul: Spiritual father
- Priscilla: Paul sent her greetings through him
- Lydia: In Philippi with Paul
- Silas: Fellow traveller
- Eunice: Mother
Read it yourself
Start with Acts 16:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15.