Timothy

by R. Hickling, Nottingham, England | Category: Lives As Lessons | Oct 1996

When the apostle John wrote to Gaius the beloved, he declared, 'Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth'. A similar feeling may have been experienced by the apostle Paul as he observed the spiritual progress of Timothy, whom he describes as 'my true child in faith' (1 Tim. 1:2), and of whom he writes, that he has 'no man so dear unto me' (Phil. 2:20 AVM).

Timothy and Paul:

Although it cannot be said for certain that Timothy came from Lystra, Acts 16 verse 1 would lead us to the conclusion that Lystra was Timothy's home town. The first visit of Paul to Derbe and Lystra is described in Acts 14, then, in Acts 16, we read of the return visit of the apostle to Derbe and Lystra, and we are told '... a certain disciple was there, named Timothy' (Acts 16:1). It is possible that Paul's allusion to Timothy as 'my true child in faith' (1 Tim. 1:2) may suggest that Paul had been instrumental in leading him to Christ during his earlier visit. We are told that Timothy's mother and grandmother were women of 'unfeigned faith', who had taught Timothy from the Scriptures from his earliest days (2 Tim. 1:4,5; 3:15).

Timothy and the Sacred Writings:

Having such a mother and grandmother was without doubt of tremendous value to Timothy, and it is possible that some of the truths he learned in young life were used by the Holy Spirit to bring about his salvation. Here, in these early experiences of Timothy, are vital lessons for us in our time. All believing parents have a responsibility to teach their children the Scriptures. If these are committed to memory they can be of inestimable value in later years. While Timothy had the blessing of a believing mother and grandmother, many children do not have such advantages, and we should be alert to the responsibility of making sure that the Scriptures are taught plainly and simply to children and young people in our care. In many countries where at one time Bible stories and truths from the Word of God were brought to the attention of young ones in their homes, in schools and elsewhere, this is no longer always the case. The resulting lack of knowledge of the Bible throws a veil over their minds, shutting out any thoughts of God and spiritual concerns, and also helps Satan to work his evil ways in their lives. Workers among children and young people have a serious responsibility and need our prayers and support.

Timothy, the Man of God:

Not only had Timothy been taught the Scriptures and thus brought to the Saviour, he had also applied what he had been taught to his own life, and thus had grown spiritually. As a result, Timothy was 'well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium' (Acts 16:2), and his grounding in the Word was surely used by the Lord in the years of service he gave. It is important that we not only read the Scriptures, but also study them, and dig deep into the sacred page, rightly dividing the Word of God and learning His will for us. In this way we too, can enjoy spiritual health and growth to the glory of God and the blessing of others. That Timothy was a man of God is evident from the Scriptures, yet we must not therefore imagine that he was immune from the various temptations and trials that 'so easily beset us'. Paul knew this, and so exhorted him to '... flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord Out of a pure heart' (2 Tim. 2:22).

It has been suggested by some commentators that because of the apostle's repeated exhortations to Timothy to 'be strengthened' (2 Tim. 2:1), 'to war the good warfare' (1 Tim. 1:18), and to hold 'faith and a good conscience' (1 Tim. 1:19), Timothy was weak in his determination and given to vacillation. However, such an opinion seems unfair, and not confirmed by the confidence that the apostle had in the young man. All such exhortations given to Timothy are applicable at all times to those who would live for and serve the Lord. Let us take heed!

Timothy, the Lord's Servant:

During his visit to Lystra as recorded in Acts 16, Paul discerned the spiritual stature, gifts and development of the young man Timothy and would have him go forth with him (Acts 16:3). Thus Timothy, with his God-given abilities, and in fellowship with the elderhood, goes forward into a fuller sphere of service in association with the apostle. Paul then took Timothy and circumcised him. Why did Paul take this action? Did it not conflict with what had been decided regarding circumcision not long before? The Scripture answers our questions; Paul acted as he did 'because of the Jews that were in those parts: for they all knew that his father was a Greek' (Acts 16:3). Timothy's testimony to the Jews could have been seriously restricted had he not been circumcised. Circumcision, in itself, was nothing and by being circumcised Timothy did not involve himself in the keeping of the law of Moses, but became as a Jew and so was able to work the better with them, with a view to winning some for Christ.

Timothy's Service:

There is insufficient space in this article to give details of Timothy's journeyings as he went about the Lord's work. The book of the Acts records that, at various times, he was in Macedonia, Berea, Athens, Thessalonica, Corinth, Ephesus and Troas.

From the epistle to the Philippians we learn that Timothy was in Rome (Phil. 2:19). Although we are given no details of Timothy's ministry as he moved about the churches, in view of the warm commendation that Paul gives him, we can be confident that he would be eager to reach out to others with the gospel, and, by his ministry of the Word, would build up the assemblies.

Timothy ministered to Paul during their various journeys together (Acts 19:22), and must have been a great comfort to the apostle in the hardships he suffered during his service. Timothy also knew suffering for the sake of the Name (Heb. 13:23). Paul recognized Timothy's spiritual stature, and had confidence in him, so that he was able to entrust special responsibilities to him. The apostle's advice to Timothy in respect of his 'infirmities' seems to indicate that he was not strong physically, and it might well be that his health suffered in some measure through the strain of the duties he had to perform. Yet the Lord gave Timothy strength to carry on with his service. We should be diligent in our prayers for those who take the lead and serve among the people of God.

In the close association of Paul and Timothy we have a delightful picture of an older man working closely with a younger. The situation is reminiscent of the association of Joshua with Moses, and in this we see something of the principle of Proverbs 20:29, 'The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the hoary head'. In spite of difference of age, there was no 'generation gap' between Paul and Timothy and no evidence of any friction arising due to age difference. This is a very pleasing situation, and it seems possible that, as the two servants of the Lord moved about, sometimes the younger would deal with aspects of service related to younger people and possibly that which required more physical effort, while the older man would share his experience, wisdom and understanding of the Word of God with his younger and much loved partner. How excellent when a similar situation obtains in a church of God, bringing glory to God and blessing on the efforts made!

Timothy facing days of apostasy:

When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy there were clear signs of growing apostasy. Some of Paul's earlier associates in Asia had already turned away from him (2 Tim. 1:15). False teachings, aptly described as eating like a gangrene (2 Tim. 2: 17) were doing their deadly work, undermining the faith of others. Paul knew that the 'time of his departure' was approaching rapidly (2 Tim. 4:6).

Discerning the signs of the times, he knew that the responsibility for maintaining the testimony and opposing error in the years to come would fall to Timothy and other faithful men. In his letter, he exhorts Timothy accordingly. He will need to have the same 'unfeigned faith' that was characteristic of his mother and grandmother. Timothy must 'stir up the gift' that was in him, and not be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord (2 Tim. 1:6,8). Then, he impresses upon Timothy, the man who had known the Scriptures from very early days, the importance of 'holding the pattern of sound words', and of guarding through the aid of the Holy Spirit the truths which had been entrusted to him by the Lord (2 Tim. 1:13,14).

The Scriptures do not give us any details of Timothy's later life, and only eternity will reveal the full extent of his faithfulness and service. Yet, although written to Timothy so long ago, these exhortations are apposite to us today, and well it will be for the testimony of the churches of God if we give them the attention they demand!

R. Hickling, Nottingham, England | Oct 1996
Lives As Lessons