Name: Timothy
Meaning: Man who Honors God
His Character: Timothy was loyal, and his sensitive and affectionate nature helped his ministry.
His Sorrow: Timothy suffered ill health (he had stomach issues) and struggled with anxiety. He could be a little timid. Due to his young age, he was not always afforded the respect he deserved.
His Triumph: Timothy became one of Paul’s chief associates, and he was like a son to Paul. He eventually became the Bishop of Ephesus.
Key Scriptures: Acts 16, 1 and 2 Timothy, Romans 16:21, 1 Corinthians 4, 1 Thessalonians 1, 2 3
Timothy’s father was a pagan Greek, and his mother was Jewish. His mother was Eunice and his grandmother was Lois. Both were noted for their piety and faith and are featured in this issue’s “Women of the Bible.” He was raised a Jew, and he converted to Christianity when Paul visited his hometown of Lystra. Timothy was well liked and respected in his hometown, which could have been one of the reasons Paul recruited him. His contemporaries included Paul, Silas, Luke, Mark, Peter, and Barnabas.
Paul recruited Timothy to be his assistant. Paul became Timothy’s father in the gospel and his mentor. He joined Paul on two missionary journeys. The fact that Timothy was able to deal with and interact with Paul’s intense personality says a lot about his inner strength, regardless of the issues he struggled with.
Timothy did have some struggles. Being of mixed race, Timothy had to deal with Jews who were concerned about keeping strict tradition. To combat this, Timothy willingly was circumcised as an adult. Timothy also struggled with his youth. In the first letter to Timothy, Paul told Timothy to despise not his youth.
Paul saw a lot of potential in Timothy. He praised Timothy for his knowledge of the scripture. He also sent Timothy to Corinth as his personal representative to deal with a stressful time in that city. Some might say that Timothy “failed” in this mission. However, it was a learning experience. Timothy continued to travel with Paul, and Paul continued to have faith in Timothy and his abilities.
Timothy had the awesome privilege of having Paul and other church elders lay their hands on him to impart a special anointing for ministry. In the end, Timothy was a close friend of Paul. They had traveled, suffered, and prevailed together. Timothy was imprisoned with Paul at least once. Timothy probably knew Paul better than anyone else.
Timothy is a great example for us today. Through Timothy’s story, we know that God’s grace is indeed sufficient when we are weak. He was a man with strengths and virtues who struggled with weakness and timidity. But, regardless of whatever inadequacies and insecurities he faced, he still made himself available to God. We all face challenges and situations that seem way beyond our abilities. From the letters Paul wrote to Timothy, we can be encouraged, comforted, and directed to stay the course with our eyes focused on Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment