Who was Timothy in the Bible and 9 Lessons We Learn From Him

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Timothy, is perhaps the most well-known companion, fellow worker, and disciple of Paul. He was well-grounded in Paul’s teachings and a reliable evangelist who was committed to missionary work.  Definitely, he was one of the great leaders of the local church in the New Testament era. 

Timothy is mentioned a total of twenty-eight times in the King James Version New Testament (nine times under his well-known name and nineteen times as Timotheus).  He was a young man who respected God’s Word and knew when he had been called for a great purpose of faith.

We first meet Timothy in Acts 16:1-3 when he was being praised for being an outstanding young man and disciple of Christ. But who was Timothy in the Bible? Let’s dive deep into the word of God and find out more. 

Timothy in the Bible: Childhood, Family, and Conversion to Christianity

Young Timothy was the son of a Jewish woman and a Greek man.  So he was the product of a mixed marriage. His father who was a Gentile is not mentioned by name. He seemed to have been raised by his mother and grandmother. 

Timothy’s grandmother was Lois. The name Lois means “agreeable” or “desirable” and it seems she lived up to her name. His mother’s name was Eunice, a Greek word that means “conquering well” or “good victory.”   Timothy’s name is a Greek word that means “honoring God” “in God’s honor” or “one who fears God”. All his family members seemed to have lived up to their names.

The Bible mentions that Eunice, his Jewish mother, and his grandmother Lois taught him the Old Testament scriptures from an early age.

“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you” 

2 Timothy 1:5 NLT

Both Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother, Lois, became Jewish Christians during Paul’s first missionary journey to the city of Lystra which was mentioned in Acts 14:8-20. when he healed a crippled man. 

Timothy may have heard about the Savior during Paul’s first missionary journey as well. What we do know though is he became a committed disciple of Jesus Christ. Despite Timothy’s mixed racial background, he eagerly identified himself as a follower of the Messiah (Acts 16:1). 

When Paul came back for his second missionary journey to the town of Lystra, Timothy was a young believer who was admired by the Christians in his hometown and the larger city of Iconium nearby. 

Timothy’s Relationship with Paul

Once Apostle Paul heard about Timothy’s excellent reputation and likely interacted with him as well, he decided to bring the young man along to help him spread the Gospel. So, he had him ordained and circumcised to avoid any questions or ridicule from Jewish Christians. 

“So, Paul wanted him to join them on their journey. In deference to the Jews of the area, he arranged for Timothy to be circumcised before they left, for everyone knew that his father was a Greek” 

Acts 16:3 NLT

Timothy had not been circumcised when he was a baby, likely due to him being the son of a Greek father. So, to avoid unnecessarily hindering Timothy’s acceptance, Paul had him go through the religious rite. Such an act, St. Paul knew, would stop those who considered circumcision a major issue. 

It’s not surprising that Paul would have Timothy circumcised as he was willing to do anything and everything (without sinning) to win people for the Gospel. 

“And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might, by all means, save some.”

1 Corinthians 9:20-22 KJV

Paul understood the importance of his role to relate to his audience. 

After this, Timothy immediately became Paul’s companion and joined him in the cities to spread the Gospel as well as to grow and strengthen the church. (Acts 16:4-5). 

Timothy’s work in ministry

Shortly after joining Paul and Silas on their missionary trip, Paul had a vision calling him to Macedonia (Acts 16:9-10). They proceeded to go to the town of Philippi in Macedonia, where a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination followed them until Paul delivered him from the spirit of darkness. Then the master of the girl was not pleased and got Paul and Silas arrested even though later they were released miraculously (Acts 16:25-40). 

This was likely Timothy’s first realization of the life that awaited him in ministry. Alongside Paul, they would travel to cities where they were not welcomed and encountered hostility and at times imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel. For a time, Timothy was also imprisoned for the sake of the Christian faith. 

^“I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.”

Hebrews 13:23 NIV 

Paul traveled with Timothy for almost all of his journeys after leaving Lystra to do missionary work. The Holy Bible then tells us that during his third missionary journey, Timothy was in Ephesus with the apostle. He and another man, Erastus, are sent by Paul to serve Macedonian brethren while they are in the city. 

“So, he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season” 

 Acts 19:22 KJV

Later, he joins others at Troas to travel with St. Paul through Asia on his way to Jerusalem. 

“Several men were traveling with him. They were Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica; Gaius from Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. They went on ahead and waited for us at Troas” 

Acts 20:4–5 NLT

Timothy was an active, faithful member of the missionary team. He stayed in Berea with Silas at one point to witness the conversion of those who had become believers while Paul was sent elsewhere (Acts 17:13-14). 

Timothy is mentioned as having traveled to Corinth (Acts 18:1-5), Thessalonica, Greece, Rome, Ephesus, and Macedonia, sometimes with Paul and sometimes while waiting in a city to be summoned by Paul (Romans 16:21; 2 Corinthians 1:19).  

“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.”

1 Timothy 4:14 NKJV

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

2Timothy 1:6 NKJV

Timothy was ordained officially as a leader of the New Testament church through the laying of hands by Paul and the elders. He received the gift of God for ministry and Paul encouraged him to keep growing and maturing spiritually and using his gift for God’s kingdom. 

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine.”

1 Timothy 1:3 NKJV

We see that Timothy also had a leading role in the church in Ephesus. After Paul and Timothy had preached to the people at Ephesus and they received the Lord Jesus Christ, he had predicted that the Ephesus church would believe false teaching in Acts 20:29-30. That is precisely what happened.

Paul physically went to deal with the false teachers after his release from prison, but had to leave again and ensured that Timothy whom he trusted would remain and preach the correct doctrine from the word of God there. This was not an easy job, which led to Paul writing letters to Timothy later on. These letters are 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy which we will discuss later on. 

He acted as Paul’s scribe and co-author of the books of 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon. He accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys, and when Paul was in prison, Timothy represented Paul at Corinth and Philippi churches.  

Apostle Paul gave Timothy orders to call at Corinth to refresh the minds of the Corinthians on the biblical principles that he had instilled in them. Later, in a letter to the same Corinthians, he advises them to look after Timothy and send him back in peace (1 Corinthians 16:10). 

Timothy’s heart and care for others were commended by Paul in ministry. 

^“I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare.All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 2:20-21 NLT

Paul regarded Timothy as his spiritual son 

Paul was a mentor to Timothy who was his young disciple. He was a fellow worker in their missionary work. 

^” and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,”

1 Thessalonians 3:2 NKJV

But their relationship and bond became deeper. Due to their mutual love for God, and the challenges they went through together as missionaries and evangelists, Paul regarded Timothy as his “spiritual son”, “dear son”, “true son” and “beloved son”. 

“To Timothy, a beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
mentor relationship.”

2 Timothy 1:2 NKJV

“Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord” 

1 Timothy 1:2 KJV

Timothy, according to Paul, had a “genuine faith,” which was the same faith that his mother and grandmother had. Paul was a mentor to Timothy but he led by both his actions and words.  Paul loved Timothy and was proud of his growth in the word of God. 

“For this reason, I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.”1 Corinthians 4:17 NIV

“But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.”

Philippians 2:22 ESV

Paul’s letters to Timothy 

St. Paul regarded Timothy as his spiritual son and wrote two letters of instruction to him specifically. They are known as the New Testament books of 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy and they are they were personal letters to his younger coworker. 

Both 1 and 2 Timothy are Paul’s letters to Timothy, which were intended to be read aloud to the congregations Timothy was visiting as part of his Gospel-sharing mission. Paul wanted to ensure that sound doctrine was being shared with the cities, mentioning the deceptions of false doctrine and teachers. However, the letters also praised Timothy for his efforts and faith, almost serving as proof of his character and knowledge if they were challenged by congregants. 

First Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy sometime after his release from Roman prison as described at the end of the Book of Acts and was written from Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3).  In this letter, Paul spent time encouraging Timothy to stay strong as he guided and taught the local church as Ephesus. 

Most likely, he was under internal and external pressure to leave, so Paul instructed him to stay in Ephesus. The majority of people in ministry deal with this occasionally and for a select few, it is a persistent affliction. 

Timothy might not have preferred to stay in the City of Ephesus for a variety of reasons, some of which include he might have desired to be with his mentor because he missed Paul. He might have become disheartened due to the typical challenges of ministry. He might have been irritated by the conflicting and divisive doctrines that were prevalent in the local church in Ephesus. Despite all of these arguments, there is no question that God and the Apostle Paul desired Timothy to stay in Ephesus as Paul’s representative. 

When the Apostle arrived in Rome very close to his death, he wrote Timothy his second letter, which is rightfully regarded as his final testament because it is so full of kindness and tenderness for this dear disciple. He wanted him to visit Rome before the winter and bring back some items that he left behind. 

Timothy would have had to have witnessed Paul’s martyrdom of the Christian era if he traveled to Rome, which is likely the case. In this letter, Paul also shares his wish for Timothy to travel to Rome and support him as he prepares for his execution.

 “Timothy, please come as soon as you can” 

2 Timothy 4:9 NLT

This demonstrates the regard and platonic love the two had for one another as the spiritual father passed on his teaching lineage to his spiritual son.

Key scriptures from 1 and 2 Timothy

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he gave him instructions and advice on how to lead the church. Paul encouraged Timothy to be of good character and not let others look down on him because of his age or experience.  Paul gave Timothy advice from a place of love, wanting Timothy to be steadfast in his own faith and to guide the other believers well.

He taught Timothy about church leadership, including the role of a deacon, the requirements of an elder, as well as many other important lessons about running a church.

Because Paul encountered life-threatening situations regularly while traveling to share the gospel message, it is understandable that he would advise Timothy to be strong in faith and prepared for deception and hostility. 

Paul instructed Timothy to devote himself to Scripture reading, exhortation, and teaching, and not to neglect the gift that had been given to him. Timothy was also advised by Paul to keep a close watch on himself.

“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” 

1 Timothy 6: 11-12 ESV

Being a young man, Timothy was likely looked down upon and questioned by the older people in the church. Paul wanted to encourage the church to respect him because he has a gift and the power of the Holy Spirit was upon him. He also wanted Timothy to be encouraged to keep leading and being an example to the local church. 

‘’Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity’’ 

1 Timothy 4:12 ESV 

Apostle Paul wanted to confirm important facts about the truth from the word of God. He wanted to remind the local church about the power of the living God and to warn them about false teachers who were among them and who would come later on as well. 

Timothy was to proclaim the good news in faith and love. He was also to obey the gospel and safeguard it against attack. He was to do so through the power of the Spirit. 

“but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

1 Timothy 3:15 NKJV

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,”

1 Timothy 2:5 NKJV

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,”

1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV

Paul exhorted Timothy not to be ashamed to speak for the Savior. Likewise, Timothy was not to be ashamed of Paul, who was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. Timothy was to join Paul in suffering for the sake of the good news.

“So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.”

2 Timothy 1:8 NLT 

Paul expresses admiration for Timothy’s faith based on the scriptures he had learned from a . He was indeed a faithful child and minister of God. 

“and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 

2 Timothy 3:15 NKJV

Paul prayed for Timothy night and day. He was Paul’s representative and carried a heavy burden. He needed whatever support he could get. 

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”

2 Timothy. 1:3 NIV

As a young man, St. Paul knew that Timothy would need reminders to be holy. There are many temptations the youth face and the only way they can overcome them with the power of God. 

“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.”

2 Timothy 2:21 NLT

Paul warned Timothy about the false teachers he would meet and encouraged him to stick with what he had learned because he knew the character of the people he learned it from, namely Paul himself, his mother, and, his grandmother. 

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” 

2 Timothy 3:14–15 ESV

Timothy was also instructed by Paul to try his best to present himself to God as someone who is accepted, a worker who does not need to hide his or her work, and someone who correctly uses the word of truth. 

 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Timothy 2:15 NKJV

The Holy Bible is our main compass as Christians, filled with God’s principles, laws, and truth. Paul reminded his young disciple about the authority of the word of God and its power in building a person’s character. 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be fully furnished for every good work.” 

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)

Timothy’s illness

Paul talked to Timothy about the importance of physical fitness and spiritual fitness. 

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”

1 Timothy 4:8 NKJV

There is a holistic approach to health that Paul was teaching his disciple. He was to take care of himself physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally as well. 

 “Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often”1 Timothy 5:23 NLT

It’s fair to conclude that Timothy, did not drink any wine at this point, consuming only water. This may have resulted in frequent illnesses and a weak stomach, Paul advises him to be more moderate in his strict diet and to drink a little wine. 

Although Timothy was encouraged to drink a little wine for his stomach, Paul made it clear to him that maintaining purity did not entail endangering his health. In those days, it was difficult to find pure drinking water. Especially for someone who was ill, wine would have been a safer beverage to consume.

In seeking to set a good example, he was not supposed to get drunk though, as again mentioned in an earlier scripture. He was to drink it in the manner God intended for it. 

“For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is [a]sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”1 Timothy 4:4–5 NKJV

“not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;”

1 Timothy 3:3 NKJV 

The end of Timothy’s life

As you research more about Timothy, you learn about how he dies. After Timothy visited Paul in Rome, he went back to Ephesus where he continued to lead the church for a long period without any interruptions. Eventually, however, he fell victim to the pagans’ animosity. The pagans prepared a large feast, and as part of it, they carried the statues of their gods in procession while wearing masks and carrying clubs and other dangerous weapons.

When Timothy saw the procession, he became so furious at their worship of idols and superstitions that he rushed in among them to stop what they were doing. When they immediately attacked him, they beat him mercilessly with their clubs, and he died soon after. They left his body where they had murdered him, which was then removed by some of his disciples and properly interred on the top of a mountain near the city.

The Greeks commemorate his martyrdom on the 22nd of January, the day it is believed that Timothy’s life was given up in defense of a belief that he had long labored to spread. During this time, he led many people over to embrace the truth of Christianity.

 Lessons we learn from the life of Timothy

• God can use anyone regardless of their background. We see that Timothy’s father was Greek and he may not be accepted yet God still had work for him to do. Christ is for us all and came to redeem us. In Him, we are accepted and we are one. 
• For parents, making sure we instill godly values and wisdom in our children is paramount. The grounding that Timothy had and lessons from his grandmother and mother carried and sustained him to adulthood. Over the years, their efforts bore fruit. Not only that, Eunice and Lois had sincere faith which means they most likely practiced what they preached. Children not only learn from and emulate what we say but our actions too. 
• The power of discipleship is a big principle in the life of Timothy and the Bible. Jesus Christ had his disciples, Elijah discipled Elisha, Timothy was a disciple of his mother, and grandmother, then Paul. In our personal lives let’s open to being disciples as well as mentoring others. 
• No one should despise young people in God’s kingdom. While in most cases, wisdom comes with age, the Holy Spirit also gives wisdom, courage, and faith to young people. The Bible does not have experts. Anyone who is spirit-filled can preach it. 
• As Christians, we are the light in a dark world.  Timothy has a good reputation that preceded him. It was Timothy’s honorable reputation that endeared him to Paul’s heart. 
• God surely works all things for our good (Romans 8:28). The fact that Timothy came from a mixed marriage meant he could preach to both Greeks and Jews as he would have been exposed to and understood both cultures. 
• Timothy was humble and had a teachable spirit. He allowed Paul to teach him and be his mentor. He listed to Paul’s instructions and followed them. 
• We are encouraged to be a loving member in the local church and genuinely care for others like Timothy did. We also learn to be excellent in everything we do especially for our God.
• In our Christian faith, we should be ready to share in both the sufferings and joy of being followers of Christ. We are to evangelize and share the gospel even with people who are not interested in hearing it. Moreover, we are to obey God and be a living example and representative of the Kingdom of God. 

Among the great leaders in the Bible, Timothy is surely mentioned. He was fearless in Christian service, as well as confident of God’s power and love.  He learned from one of the best Apostles in the Bible, Paul himself. The apostle also wanted his spiritual son to follow God’s call through to the end and he sure did. There is so much we can learn from this young man who led many to Christ and led the local church in the New Testament. Timothy was a faithful child of God, and we should emulate him.

For deeper study, you may enjoy these recommended resources:

Life Lessons from 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus: Ageless Wisdom for Young Leaders by Max Lucado

Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon): It’s Always Too Soon to Quit! by Warren W. Wiersbe

You also may enjoy this video on 1 Timothy 1 (Part 1) • An Apostle by the Command of God

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