Introduction
Timothy of Lystra (Greek: Timotheos tis Lustras) 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 (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 (2 Tim. 3:15).
Timothy was close friends with the apostle Paul and appears as his 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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (1 Cor. 16:10). He was often sick, so Paul encouraged him to drink some wine for his stomach (1 Tim. 5:23).
When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans from Corinth during the winter of AD 57, Timothy was there, too (Rom. 16:21). He then joined Paul in Macedonia around Passover AD 58 before sailing to Troas (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).
According to the writer of Hebrews, Timothy was jailed at least once (Heb. 13:23).
Conclusion
Timothy was an essential leader in the early Christian church, known for his strong faith and dedication. Although his family had different religious backgrounds, his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, taught him the scriptures from a young age. His close relationship with the apostle Paul helped shape his role in spreading the message of Jesus. Timothy worked alongside Paul and was even mentioned in letters written to early Christian communities. Paul praised Timothy for his kindness, hard work, and commitment to gospel sharing. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul spoke highly of Timothy's dedication, showing how much he trusted and respected him. Timothy's name means "honor of God," and his life reflected this meaning. His legacy continues to inspire people through the letters that bear his name and the example he set as a faithful servant of God. His story reminds us how powerful faith can be and how one person's dedication can impact the world.
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
Book of Common Prayer. Huntington Beach, CA: Anglican Liturgy Press, 2019.
Graves, Dan. "Who Was Timothy in the Bible? How Did He Help Paul?" Christianity.com. April 23, 2024. link.
Houdmann, S. Michael. "Who Was Timothy in the Bible?" Got Questions. January 4, 2022. link.
Rutherfurd, John. "Timothy." Edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1939.