Chapter 16: Timothy (Great Leaders of the Book)

IN THIS CHAPTER, you will discover: 

How a godly upbringing prepared Timothy for leadership. 

A timid man who faithfully served the early church. 

AS A RESULT, you will be able to: 

Raise your children to become leaders.

See how God can use your own personality.

Reading: Talk Thru Bible Personalities, pp. 195-206

Scripture References

Acts 16:1-3; 2 Timothy 1:5-7 Early life as a believer.
16:4-18:18 Co-worker on Paul's second journey.
19:8-21:19 Co-worker on Paul's third journey.
Philemon 2:19-24 Commended by Paul.
1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10 Paul's emissary to the Corinthians.
1 Timothy 1:3 Leader of the church at Ephesus.
4-6 Personal instructions from Paul.
2 Timothy 3:10-4:22 Personal charge from Paul.
1 Thessalonians 1:1; Co-authored letters with Paul.
2 Thessalonians and
1:1; Philemon 1



Biographical Observations

A Devout Youth
What a precious heritage -- a mother and grandmother who loved God and His Word! Through their own zeal for truth, they encouraged young Timothy to equip himself for the good work that lay ahead. Steeped in the Old Testament from infancy, Timothy also recognized the importance of Scripture "to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15). Timothy was the product of mixed parentage -- a Jewish mother and a Greek father. Since his father is only incidentally mentioned, his role in Timothy's upbringing was probably minimal. The greatest influence definitely came from his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois.
The faith that had manifested itself in those two dear women was passed on to Timothy as a tiny flame. It was Timothy's responsibility, however, to fan it into a flaming torch of faith. That light would illuminate the path that lay ahead. Timothy had learned his lessons well, for his life reflected his close walk with the Lord. The believers in his hometown of Lystra as well as those in nearby Iconium spoke well of him.
Devoted Apprentice
When Paul and Silas came to Lystra on the second missionary journey, Paul met Timothy. He was immediately impressed with the young man's good reputation and gentle spirit. Perhaps Paul saw a fierce courage underneath his timidity. So they laid hands on him, commissioning him for the journey. To avoid any problems with the local Jews who were aware of Timothy's Greek ancestry, Paul required that Timothy undergo circumcision.
At Philippi Timothy witnessed the baptism of Lydia's household as a result of Paul's preaching. No doubt Timothy was a guest along with Paul and Silas in her home. Later he listened intently as the two recounted their experiences in the jail at Philippi. Traveling with Paul was never easy, but it was always exciting. The tiny band was always on the edge of trouble. In Thessalonica Paul and Silas were accused of treason and turning the world upside down. So it became necessary for them to leave town.
In nearby Berea the people listened gladly to the gospel, and many believed. Unfortunately, some angry Jews from Thessalonica followed the missionaries and stirred up trouble. This time Paul was whisked away to safety on the coast while Timothy and Silas stayed behind. They waited for Paul's message to rejoin him. Reunited in Corinth, Timothy watched as the Jews there opposed Paul and blasphemed Jesus. He must have been elated when the great apostle finally declared, "From now on I will go to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:6).
Timothy had known from the beginning the dangers of discipleship. As a fellow worker with Paul, young Timothy learned to adapt to many situations. Sometimes Paul would send Timothy ahead to another city and catch up with him later. Often Paul would go first and send for Timothy later. Their escapes from danger were nothing short of miraculous, but miracles followed Paul wherever he went. "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them" (Acts 19:11-12). Timothy was privileged to watch as Paul raised Eutychus from the dead.
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul urged the church to show hospitality to Timothy. Furthermore, he warned them not to be prejudiced because of his youth (1 Cor. 16:10). In his second letter, Paul related the turbulent times the missionaries had endured in Asia: 'We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life" (2 Cor. 1:8).
The greeting of 2 Corinthians indicates that Timothy had a role in drafting the letter. He was thus in complete agreement with Paul in writing, "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come" (2 Cor. 1:21-22).
Because of the salutations in the letters to Philemon and to the churches at Philippi and Colossae, it is assumed that Timothy was present in Rome during Paul's first imprisonment. In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he sang the praises of Timothy. He declared that Timothy had a real interest in them, while others were only interested in their own plans and not those of Christ. He then promised to send Timothy to Philippi to bring back good news (Phil. 2:19-20).
Dependable Leader
Timothy again traveled with Paul after the apostle was released from the Roman prison. Later, Timothy stayed behind in Ephesus while Paul went on to Macedonia. To encourage the young pastor, Paul wrote 1 Timothy. In the letter he instructed Timothy regarding church leadership, warning him against the false doctrine that had infiltrated the church. Materialism had become a major problem in affluent Ephesus. In his capacity as pastor, Timothy was to be a model Christian in his daily walk. Furthermore, he was to read publicly and explain the Scriptures to his flock. Finally, Paul admonished him: "Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care" (1 Tim. 6:20).
Paul reminded Timothy (and believers today) that Christianity requires a holy boldness. Those who walk in the Spirit will walk in love and power, able to discipline themselves without reprimand from others. "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7).
After Paul was arrested and taken to Rome for the second time, he wrote another letter to Timothy. This time the elderly apostle warned him of increased persecution toward believers. However, he encouraged Timothy to persevere in the face of hardships, to do his work as an evangelist, and to discharge the duties of his ministry (2 Tim. 4:5). Moreover, he should be careful not to become tied up in worldly affairs and to concentrate on being a good workman for the Lord (2:15).
Feeling that his time was short, Paul asked Timothy to come quickly before winter, bringing Paul's cloak and scrolls. As Paul had predicted, the persecution of Christians increased under the reign of the malevolent Nero. About A.D. 67 Timothy's beloved mentor was beheaded. The last reference in the New Testament to Timothy is found in Hebrews 13:23. The author (possibly Barnabas) mentioned that Timothy had just been released from prison. Church tradition records that Timothy himself suffered martyrdom thirty years later in A.D. 97.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: By the time he met Paul, Timothy had already developed many fruit of the Spirit. Even though Timothy knew the Scriptures, he had a teachable spirit. His courage in difficult situations is more pronounced because of his naturally reserved personality. Friendly and cooperative, Timothy was genuinely concerned with new Christians. Furthermore, his dependability and tact served him well in the pastorate.
Weaknesses: Timothy was sickly, for Paul mentions his frequent stomach ailments. Considering his timidity and emotional personality, perhaps Timothy suffered from stress. Because of his youth and inexperience, he needed instruction and frequent encouragement.

Key Scripture: "For this reason I am sending 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 Cor. 4:17).
In this one verse Paul describes Timothy's character (faithful), his relationship to Paul (beloved son), and his ministry and Iifestyle (like Paul's). The apostle endorses the young man wholeheartedly; in essence, he asks the Corinthians to receive Timothy in the same way they would receive him.
Key Thought: Timothy, a timid and inexperienced young man, became a courageous missionary and compassionate pastor through the power of the Holy Spirit and under the direct teaching of the great apostle Paul.
Philosophy of Life
Timothy's philosophy was to be the best that he could be with the gifts and talents God had given him. He was aware of his shortcomings, but didn't dwell on them. Nothing stood in his way of serving God. He believed that God would fill any gaps in his ability. Since not everyone could be a Paul, he was content to play a supportive role to his "father" in the faith. He attempted to maintain a reputation that was above reproach among Christians and non-Christians alike.
Comparison
Although Timothy was half-Jewish, Titus was a full Gentile. Because of this, Timothy was circumcised before joining Paul on his second missionary journey. Paul, however, rejected the Judaizer's insistence that Titus be circumcised. Thus Titus was accepted in the church solely on faith. Titus, courageous and resourceful, could be depended on to handle difficult situations. A gifted organizer, he was probably more outspoken than the more reserved Timothy, who felt more comfortable in a supportive role to Paul. Titus was an encourager, but Timothy often needed encouragement. Paul left each of them in charge of a church -- Titus at Crete and Timothy at Ephesus. He valued their friendship, which brought joy to his heart. Sharing a kindred spirit with them, Paul never doubted each man's ability or loyalty to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Grand Design
Timothy, the product of a Christian Jewess and an unbelieving Gentile, was chosen to be one of the supportive threads in the messianic tapestry. The timid personality and silent strength of the young missionary/pastor pale beside the more colorful thread of Paul.

Key Concepts:

1. Timothy's hometown of Lystra is part of (Macedonia, Turkey) today. [196]

2. To remove any hindrances to Timothy's ministry, Paul (circumcised, reprimanded) him. [197]
3. True or False. Ephesus had the persistent problem of false teachers. [197]
4. Timothy tended toward (eye, stomach) ailments. [198]
5. The letter of 1Timothy was probably written (before, after) Paul's first confinement in Rome. [198]
6. Because of a lust for gold, the church at Ephesus had many false teachers who preached ______________. [200]
7. True or False. As Paul wrote from Macedonia, he was only concerned for the ministry in Ephesus. [200]
8. Paul compared Timothy to a (sheep, shepherd). [202]
9. True or False. Timothy seemed to be struggling with the question of inner contentment. [203]
10. Believers cannot live (above, within) their circumstances. [204]
Further Study: Read "Timothy," pp. 1018-19; "Titus," p. 1021; and "Pastoral Letters," pp. 753-55 in the NIDB.
Life Application: As a missionary and pastor, Timothy demonstrated the humility of a true servant. A Christ-like servant equates serving others with serving Christ. To be a servant, one must empty oneself and take on the identity of the one being served. Therefore, the motive behind Christian servanthood is to represent God rather than ourselves. Is your motive for Christian work solely for people's approval, or do you see yourself as serving Christ' Are you promoting Jesus Christ and the gospel -- or yourself' Most importantly, do people see Christ in you'