In brief
Eunice is the mother of Timothy, the young coworker of the apostle Paul. Acts presents her as a faithful Jewish woman married to a Greek, and in his second letter to Timothy, Paul recalls the sincere faith that lived first in his grandmother Lois, then in her, then in her son. The Bible does not tell her life in detail, but these few lines are enough. She is remembered for the influence of a mother who passes on faith by example, and for her faithfulness.
What does the name Eunice mean?
Eunice is a Greek name, generally understood as "good victory" or "happy victory". The Bible does not explain it: it only mentions her Jewish origin, since Acts 16:1 describes Eunice as a faithful Jewish woman without naming her.
The story of Eunice
A faithful Jewish woman in Lystra
Acts 16:1Paul travels to Derbe and Lystra, where he meets a disciple named Timothy. Luke presents him as the son of a faithful Jewish woman and a Greek father. Even though she is not named here, this is Eunice, according to 2 Timothy 1:5. She lives in a mixed household, and her faith is passed on despite that.
A son with a good reputation
Acts 16:2-3The believers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy. Paul wanted to take him along. This reputation is the fruit of the upbringing he received, for Timothy's faith did not arise by chance: it grew in Eunice's home, beside a mother who believed.
The faith that lived first in Lois
2 Timothy 1:5Years later, Paul writes to Timothy from prison. He remembers the sincere faith that is in him, which lived first in his grandmother Lois, then in his mother Eunice. Paul is convinced that it lives in Timothy too. Three generations of genuine faith are thus named in the Bible.
A gift to rekindle
2 Timothy 1:6-7Paul then urges Timothy to rekindle the gift of God received through the laying on of hands. He reminds him that God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. What his mother Eunice sowed in his heart feeds the mission that awaits him.
What Eunice teaches us
- A believing mother can leave a lasting mark on her child's faith, even if the father does not share it.
- Faith is passed from generation to generation by example, by word and by a sincere life.
- Parents do not always see the result of their faithfulness, but God uses it to call servants.
- An imperfect home can become a place where God shapes a child, like the one in Lystra.
- The gift received must be rekindled, because faith grows when it is nurtured.
Key verses
Timothy is presented as the son of a faithful Jewish woman and a Greek father. It is the first mention of Timothy's mother, without her name being given.
Paul recalls the sincere faith that lived first in Lois, then in Eunice, and that also lives in Timothy. It is the only verse that names Eunice.
God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control. This word encourages Timothy, whom his mother had shaped from childhood.
Sermons about Eunice
Frequently asked questions
Who was Eunice in the Bible?
Eunice was the mother of Timothy, Paul's coworker. Acts 16:1 describes her as a faithful Jewish woman married to a Greek. 2 Timothy 1:5 names her and recalls that sincere faith lived in her, as in her mother Lois.
What does the name Eunice mean?
Eunice is a Greek name, generally understood as "good victory" or "happy victory". The Bible gives no explanation of it. The word suggests success, which fits the lasting influence of this mother on her son.
Where can I find the story of Eunice in the Bible?
Eunice is named only once, in 2 Timothy 1:5. She is alluded to, without her name, in Acts 16:1, where Timothy is first met in Lystra. There is no detailed account of her life, only these few verses.