In brief
Lois and Eunice were the grandmother and mother of Timothy, the companion of Paul. They lived in Asia Minor, around Lystra, in the first century. Eunice was a believing Jewish woman, married to a Greek. Paul pays tribute to the sincere faith that lived first in them before living in Timothy, who had known the holy Scriptures since childhood. Their example shows the strength of a faith passed down within the family.
What does the name Lois and Eunice mean?
Eunice comes from the Greek Eunike, which generally means good victory. The meaning of Lois is less certain: it is sometimes linked to a Greek word meaning better or pleasant. The Bible does not comment on either name.
The story of Lois and Eunice
A believing Jewish mother
Acts 16:1At Lystra, Paul meets a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer and of a Greek father. This woman is Eunice. In a mixed household, she kept the faith and passed it on to her son, who in turn became a disciple of Jesus.
A son with a good reputation
Acts 16:2-3The brothers at Lystra and Iconium speak well of Timothy. Paul wants to take him along. The fruit of the upbringing received at home can be seen in the life of the young man, who will become one of the apostle's closest coworkers.
A sincere faith across three generations
2 Timothy 1:5Paul reminds Timothy of the sincere faith that dwelt first in his grandmother Lois and in his mother Eunice. Faith is not inherited automatically, but it was lived out before him, from grandmother to mother, and then to the son.
The holy Scriptures from childhood
2 Timothy 3:14-15Paul urges Timothy to continue in what he has learned, knowing from whom he learned it. From childhood he has known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. This teaching in the family prepared his heart.
What Lois and Eunice teaches us
- A faith lived out at home is one of the greatest legacies to leave to our children.
- Teaching the word of God from childhood prepares the heart to receive salvation.
- A believing mother or grandmother can have a decisive influence, even in a divided household.
- Sincere faith is passed on above all by the example of an authentic life.
- God honors the quiet faithfulness of families who serve him.
Key verses
The only verse that names Lois and Eunice. Paul describes a sincere faith that lived successively in the grandmother, the mother and the son. It is an encouragement for all Christian families.
Timothy has known the holy Scriptures since childhood. This verse stresses the value of biblical teaching given to children, which leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Timothy is the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. Eunice passed on the faith in a home where her husband apparently did not share it, which makes her example all the stronger.
Bible verses to meditate on
Frequently asked questions
Why does Paul mention Lois and Eunice?
To encourage Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God that he received. Paul reminds him that his sincere faith has deep roots: it first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. This spiritual inheritance should strengthen him in his ministry.
What do the names Lois and Eunice mean?
Eunice comes from the Greek and generally means good victory. The meaning of Lois is less certain: it is sometimes linked to a Greek word meaning better or pleasant. The Bible gives no explanation of either name.
Where can I find Lois and Eunice in the Bible?
They are named in 2 Timothy 1:5. Acts 16:1-3 presents Eunice as a believing Jewish woman, the mother of Timothy, without naming her, and 2 Timothy 3:14-15 refers to the teaching of the Scriptures that Timothy received from childhood.