The Character of Timothy

Timothy - A true son in faith to Paul

(Philippians 2:19-24)

• Timothy's Background

Timothy came from a mixed background - his father was a Greek and his mother was Jewish believer. His grandmother was also a believer. His father was not a believer.

^{Ac 16:1} He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, ^p where a disciple named Timothy ^q lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, ^r but whose father was a Greek.

^{2Ti 1:5} I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Paul circumcised him because of this mixed background so that he could preach to the Jewish Christians with authority. Otherwise they would not have listened to a man one who is uncircumcised and also one who was very young.

• Timothy willingly served under the shadow of Paul - in the second place. He was Paul's son in faith.

^{Phil 2:22} But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father ^f he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

Timothy travelled on behalf of Paul many times to strengthen the Churches

Timothy was sent by Paul in this occasion to travel a long distance (from Italy to modern day Bulgaria). Timothy did that most obediently.

1 Th 3:2,1 Co 4:17

Taught as Paul's deputy in Churches like Ephesus, Philippi and Thesselonica. He took up leadership in Churches whenever it was required.1 Ti 1:3, 1 Th 3:2

He also came and reported the progress to Paul. 1 Th 3:6

This shows that Timothy did not become conceited as he progressed in his spiritual life but willingly served as Paul's deputy through out his life. In this way he not only supported Paul in his ministry but also strengthened Paul. (2 Ti 1:4)

Appn:

Are we willing to take up second position?

Are we willing to work under someone else's shadow?

Are we willing to be content with God's call for us and not become of jealous of others

• Timothy was concerned about other's welfare.

Paul here commends Timothy's genuine interest in others. Timothy's character is exactly the same as Paul's as seen in verse 19 ( "cheered by news of you")

Also we see that being concerned for others is being concerned about the interests of Jesus Christ.

This teaches us that if I claim to be concerned about the interests of Jesus Christ, it must show up in my concern for others. There cannot be a dichotomy. (1 Jn 4:20)

Appn:

Do I claim to be concerned about the interests of Jesus Christ? Does it show up in my interest in others? Does it show up in my love for others?

• Timothy was willing to suffer for the Lord

Timothy like Paul, his spiritual father was willing to suffer for the Lord.

Timothy followed Paul despite Paul's constant persecution. This shows that he himself did not fear persecutions and run away from Paul, unlike Demas and others.

^{2Ti 3:11} persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, ^z Iconium ^a and Lystra, ^b the persecutions I endured. ^c Yet the Lord rescued ^d me from all of them. ^e

He went to prison like Paul for the Lord's sake.

^{Heb 13:23} I want you to know that our brother Timothy ^f has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.

Appn:

Are we willing to suffer for the Lord as Timothy did, and as Paul did?

Timothy thus proved himself to be faithful to the Lord and followed all the examples set to him by Paul. May all of us follow Timothy's example.