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Timothy's Profile
Painful lessons are usually
doorways to new opportunities. Even the apostle Paul had much to learn. Shortly
after his disappointing experience with John Mark, Paul recruited another eager
young man, Timothy, to be his assistant. Paul's intense personality may have
been to much for John Mark to handle. It could easily have created the same
problem for Timothy. But Paul seems to have learned a lesson in patience from
his old friend Barnabas. As a result, Timothy became a "son" to Paul.
Timothy probably became a Christian after Paul's first
missionary visit to Lystra (Acts 16:1-5). Timothy already had solid Jewish
training in the Scriptures from his mother and grandmother. By Paul's second
visit, Timothy had grown into a respected disciple of Jesus. He did not hesitate
to join Paul and Silas on their journey. His willingness to be circumcised as an
adult is clearly a mark of his commitment. (Timothy's mixed Greek/Jewish
background could have created problems on their missionary journeys, because
many of their audience would be made up of Jews who were concerned about the
strict keeping of this tradition. Timothy's submission to the rite of
circumcision helped to avoid that potential problem.)
Beyond the tensions created by his mixed racial background,
Timothy seemed to struggle with a naturally timid character and a sensitivity to
his youthfulness. Unfortunately, many who share Timothy's character traits are
quickly written off as too great a risk to deserve much responsibility. By God's
grace, Paul saw great potential in Timothy. Paul demonstrated his confidence in
Timothy by entrusting him with important responsibilities. Paul sent Timothy as
his personal representative to Corinth during a particularly tense time (1st
Corinthians 4:14-17). Although Timothy was apparently ineffective in that
difficult mission, Paul did not give up on him. Timothy continued to travel with
Paul.
Our last pictures of Timothy come from the most personal
letters in the New Testament: 1st and 2nd Timothy. The aging apostle Paul was
near the end of his life, but his burning desire to continue his mission had not
dimmed. Paul was writing to one of his closest friends - they had traveled,
suffered, cried, and laughed together. They shared the intense joy of seeing
people respond to the Good News and the agonies of seeing the gospel rejected
and distorted. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the young church there
(1st Timothy 1:3,4). He wrote to encourage Timothy and give him needed
direction. These letters have provided comfort and help to countless other
"Timothys" through the years. When you face a challenge that seems beyond your
abilities, read 1st and 2nd Timothy, and remember that others have shared your
experience.
Timothy's Strengths and Accomplishments
1. Became a believer after Paul's first
missionary journey and joined him for his other two journeys
2. Was a respected Christian in his hometown
3. Was Paul's special representative on several occasions
4. Received two personal letters from Paul
5. Probably knew Paul better than any other person, becoming like a son to Paul
Timothy's Weaknesses and Mistakes
1. Struggled with a timid and reserved nature
2. Allowed others to look down on his youthfulness
3. Was apparently unable to correct some of the problems in the church at
Corinth when Paul sent him there
Lessons From Timothy's Life
1. Youthfulness should not be an excuse for
ineffectiveness
2. Our inadequacies and inabilities should not keep us from being available to
God
Timothy's Vital Statistics
1. Where: Lystra
2. Occupations: Missionary, pastor
3. Relatives: Mother Eunice. Grandmother: Lois. Greek father
4. Contemporaries: Paul, Silas, Luke, Mark, Peter, Barnabas
Key Verses
"I have no one else like him [Timothy], who takes
a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own
interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But 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" (Philippians 2:20-22).
Timothy's story is told in Acts, starting in
chapter 16. He is also mentioned in Romans 16:21; 1st Corinthians 4:17; 1st
Corinthians 16:10,11; 2nd Corinthians 1:1,19; Philippians 1:1; Philippians
2:19-23; Colossians 1:1; 1st Thessalonians 1:1-10; 1st Thessalonians 2:3,4; 1st
Thessalonians 3:2-6; 1st and 2nd Timothy, Philemon 1; Hebrews 13:23.
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