In brief
Timothy is a young disciple from Lystra whom the apostle Paul took as a co-worker during his second missionary journey. Son of a believing Jewish mother and a Greek father, he had learned the Scriptures from childhood. Paul calls him his true child in the faith, and the New Testament contains two letters addressed to him. He is remembered as a faithful, sometimes timid servant whom Paul encourages to fan into flame the gift of God and to persevere.
What does the name Timothy mean?
Timothy is a Greek name, generally linked to the idea of one who honors God. The Bible gives no explanation of this name. It suits the role of this young man well, but this meaning remains an interpretation of the Greek name.
The story of Timothy
A Disciple from Lystra
Acts 16:1-2Paul arrives at Derbe, then at Lystra, where there is a disciple named Timothy. He is the son of a Jewish woman who believes in Jesus and of a Greek father. The brothers at Lystra and Iconium speak well of him. His reputation as a trustworthy believer marks him out to accompany Paul.
Taken as a Traveling Companion
Acts 16:3-5Paul wants to take Timothy with him. Because of the Jews in the area, who knew his father was Greek, he has him circumcised. Then they travel through the towns, passing on the decisions made in Jerusalem. The churches are strengthened in the faith, and the number of believers grows daily.
A Servant Paul Is Proud Of
Philippians 2:19-22From his prison, Paul hopes to send Timothy to the Philippians. He says he has no one else so devoted and so sincerely concerned for their welfare. Everyone looks after their own interests, but Timothy has proved himself: he served with Paul for the Gospel as a child serves with his father.
Faith Passed Down Through Generations
2 Timothy 1:3-5Paul thanks God as he thinks of Timothy and remembers his tears. He recalls the sincere faith that lived first in his grandmother Lois, then in his mother Eunice, and that lives in Timothy too. The faith of this young man has roots in his family, but it now belongs to him personally.
Fan Into Flame the Gift of God
2 Timothy 1:6-8Paul urges Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God received through the laying on of hands. He reminds him that God has not given a spirit of timidity, but of strength, love and wisdom. He invites him not to be ashamed of the testimony about the Lord, nor of Paul, his prisoner.
Continue in What You Have Learned
2 Timothy 3:14-17Paul asks Timothy to remain attached to what he has learned and become convinced of, remembering those who taught him. Since childhood he has known the Holy Scriptures. Paul reminds him that all Scripture is inspired by God and useful to equip the man of God.
What Timothy teaches us
- A faith handed down by a mother or a grandmother is a gift, but it must become a personal faith.
- Timidity does not prevent you from being used: God gives strength, love and wisdom to the one who serves him.
- Staying faithful to the Bible, learned from childhood, protects in times of confusion.
- Being linked to an older believer, as Timothy was to Paul, helps you grow in service.
Key verses
Paul remembers the sincere faith of Timothy, which first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. A verse that honors the passing on of faith within a family.
God has not given Timothy a spirit of timidity, but of strength, love and wisdom. A word of encouragement for all who feel too young or too fearful to serve.
All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete and equipped for every good work.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the story of Timothy in the Bible?
His meeting with Paul is told in Acts 16. He is mentioned in several letters of Paul, notably Philippians 2. The two letters of Paul that bear his name, 1 and 2 Timothy, are addressed directly to him and contain advice for ministry.
What does the name Timothy mean?
Timothy is a Greek name, generally linked to the idea of one who honors God. The Bible gives no explanation of this name. It is therefore a common interpretation, which suits the character of this servant, but it calls for caution in reading.
Why does Paul call Timothy his child?
Paul speaks of Timothy as his true child in the faith and his beloved child. This is not a blood relationship but a spiritual one: Paul trained him, accompanied him and loved him like a father, and Timothy served him like a son.