Timothy of Lystra

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Introduction

Timothy of Lystra (Greek: Timotheos ho ek Lustrōn) was born around AD 28 near Lystra in Lycaonia, a region within the Roman province of Galatia. He came from a mixed family: his father was Greek, but his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, were faithful Jewish believers (2 Tim. 1:5). Because Jewish identity was traditionally reckoned through the mother in this context, Timothy was regarded as Jewish, and he learned the Old Testament scriptures from an early age (2 Tim. 3:15). His Greek name, Timotheos (G5095), means "honoring God," from timē (G5092) and Theos (G2316). Timothy is named alongside Paul in the opening of several New Testament letters—including Second Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, First and Second Thessalonians, and Philemon—reflecting his close partnership in Paul's ministry. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul praised Timothy, saying, "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).

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Timothy: In the Honor of God

Around AD 48, Paul brought the Christian message to Timothy's hometown of Lystra when he healed a disabled man there (Acts 14:8–19). When Paul returned a few years later with Silas, Timothy was already known as a faithful member of the churches in Lystra and Iconium. Because Timothy's father was a Gentile, his family had not circumcised him on the eighth day as the Law of Moses required (Lev. 12:2–4). Paul circumcised Timothy so that Jewish communities would accept him during their mission work (Acts 16:1–3). This decision did not change the Council of Jerusalem's ruling around AD 50, when James, the brother of Jesus, said that Gentile believers did not need to be circumcised (Acts 15:1–35).

Timothy traveled with Paul and Silas to Macedonia around AD 50. He began as a young disciple but soon became Paul's trusted co-worker in spreading the gospel. Paul noted that Timothy sometimes struggled with timidity (2 Tim. 1:7; cf. 1 Cor. 16:10) and dealt with health issues, even encouraging him to drink a little wine for his stomach (1 Tim. 5:23).

When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans from Corinth in the winter of AD 57, Timothy stayed with him (Rom. 16:21). Around Passover in AD 58, Timothy traveled with Paul through Macedonia before they sailed to Troas (Acts 20:3–6). Around AD 65, Paul reminded Timothy of the gift he had received through the laying on of hands and entrusted him with overseeing the church in Ephesus (1 Tim 1:3; 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6). Later Christian tradition regarded Timothy as the first bishop (Greek: episkopos, G1985) of Ephesus. Christian tradition also says that Roman authorities later held Paul in the Tullianum prison in Rome as he awaited trial before the emperor Nero. During that time, Paul called for Timothy to visit him one last time. Paul's first letter to Timothy explains the responsibilities of church leaders, while his second letter serves as Paul's final message to his beloved co-worker.

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).

The author of Hebrews also says that Timothy was imprisoned at least once (Heb. 13:23).

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Bibliography

Commentaries

Fee, Gordon D. 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus. New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1988.

Mounce, William D. Pastoral Epistles. Word Biblical Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2000.

Towner, Philip H. The Letters to Timothy and Titus. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2006.

Reference Works

Rutherfurd, John. "Timothy." In The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1939.

Online Resources

Graves, Dan. "Who Was Timothy in the Bible? How Did He Help Paul?"↗ Christianity.com. April 23, 2024.