Why Is it Important to Remember That Jesus Was Jewish? cdAnalytics.setDomain('davidccook.com'); Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. 8 Important Things About the Young Timothy | For The Church Solomon Our first ministry is our family. Timothy also obtained guidance from the Holy Scriptures as a pattern for his life, and the modern-day believer would benefit from this practice too. The most plausible age of Timothy, however, is most likely that Timothy was in his thirties while he traveled with Paul. Second Timothy 2:24-25 says, And the Lords slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. 8. The Church in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:1-9) | Bible.org Nehemiah Part 2, Christian Community: The Secret Ingredient for a Stronger Marriage. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". Timothy grew up in the town of Lystra as the son of a Jewish woman named Eunice, who was a believer, and a Greek (Gentile) father who is not mentioned by name. A leader, when wronged, must have no thought of retaliation.19. Manage is a military term referring to lining up in rank under one in authority.20 This includes his children obeying him. In general, how can we maintain a blameless life? Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. One exception, though, is a young believer named Timothy. Another problem at Ephesus was the behavior of church leaders and members. Meet Timothy: Protege of the Apostle Paul, Overview: the Epistles of the New Testament, Meet the Apostle Paul: Christian Missionary Giant. Who Is Timothy in the Bible? - Logos Bible Study Platform Dr Michael L has written 155 articles on What Christians Want To Know! Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Today it is not unusual for children to grow up in a home where their parents are from different cultures or religions. The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. This is one of the primary jobs of the elder. 2, p. 220). When Paul is addressing Timothy in this letter, he is not stating that Timothy does not have these attributes as he is actually confirming that Timothy possesses these characteristics. We are presented with a wonderful lesson in these few verses. Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. It should be noted that his father was not a Hellenistic Greek, but rather, he was a heathen Greek. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. Well-grounded in Paul's teachings, Timothy was a reliable evangelist skilled at presenting the gospel. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. All rights reserved. 9495). His father was not a believer. Chicago: Moody Press. They work hard but ultimately trust that God will meet their needs, as they seek first Gods kingdom and righteousness (Matt 6:33). Are there any aspects of your life that the enemy or others can hold up to accuse you? Timothy may not have had a formal education; however, he may have been taught and instructed by Paul during their time together. Timothy. Timothy was a young minister and a leader in the church. Finally, we learn that it does not matter where we come from, Godly influences, and Biblical teaching can overcome any disadvantage. It is believed that Timothys father died while Timothy was fairly young, which explains why Timothy was not brought up in the traditional Greek faith and belief system. Temperate literally means wineless or unmixed with wine.11 Metaphorically, it means to be alert, watchful, vigilant, or clearheaded. That may be its primary sense in this passage. He," meaning Timothy, "was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. (2000). Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. David (NIV), 1 Timothy 4:12Dont let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Pastor is a shepherding term referring to how they care for people. We get a good picture of this in the story of David after losing his kingdom to his son, Absalom. Paul taught that salvationwas not earned by good works, but rather that godly character and good works were the fruits of a grace-savedChristian. What Does the Bible Say About Church Discipline? Elders minister to women, even as Christ did. He included solid principles regarding finances, especially as they relate to contentment and personal goals for a godly life. Characteristics of a Useful Vessel - Grace to You Likewise, Paul was directly involved in delivering a letter from the Apostles in Jerusalem that declared that circumcision was not necessary as a believer (Acts 15:1-7; Galatians 2:11-21). Timothy met Paul in Lystra, possibly in 51 or 52CE. Possibly Timid1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 1:7,8 Not commended for his boldness, ReputableActs 16:2, SupportiveActs 18:5, Phil 2:22, UnselfishActs 18:5, Phil 2:20-22, HumbleActs 18:5, Phil 2:22, ServantActs 18:5, Acts 10:22, Phil 2:22, WorkerRom 16:21; 1 Cor 16:10; 1 Thess 3:2; Philemon 1; 2 Tim 2:15, Beloved1 Cor 4:17, 2 Tim 1:2, Faithful1 Cor 4:17, Phil 2:22, Teacher1 Cor 4:17; 1 Tim 1:3,5; 1 Tim 4:6,11,13,16; 1 Tim 6:17,18; 2 Tim 2:2, Well Trained1 Cor 4:17 just as I teach 1 Cor 16:10, Strengthener1 Thess 3:2, Encourager1 Thess 3:2, Strong Faith1 Thess 3:2; 2 Tim 1:5; 1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 3:10, Trusted1 Tim 6:20, Speech1 Tim 4:12, Conduct1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 3:10, Love1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 3:10, Purity1 Tim 4:12, Patience2 Tim 3:10, Perseverance2 Tim 3:10. Character Study E-book Study Guide He didn't come from the right background. 1 Timothy (p. 110). In what ways are you serving or preparing to better serve? 2, p. 221). Timothy is described as being very timid and received a great deal of encouragement from Paul throughout 1 and 2 Timothy. If the leadership is sincere, the people will be sincere. This does not mean he has no sense of humor, or that he is always solemn and somber. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12, NLT). He spelled out requirements for overseers and deacons in 1 Timothy 3:2-12. Application Question: How can a lack of sober-mindedness hinder a spiritual leader? We do not hear anything more about the rest of Timothys life, but church historians write that Timothy remained in Ephesus the rest of his days. 25 MacDonald, W. (1995). I like the words that Paul leaves to Timothy for him to model: Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 16 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. We must be clearheaded in order to discern Gods will for our lives and others. 24 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). They are to rule (1 Tim. Yet, often we know little or nothing about these steadfast members of the Christian faith. Every elder should be faithful in ministry even before being selected. Orthodox Church in America. Despite Timothys young age, he still dedicated his life to Christ and served Him faithfully. Not necessarily. 2 Timothy: Encouragement for a Faithful Worker - Theology of Work Application Question: Why can the love of money and wealth be so dangerous spiritually? Timothy's early Godly upbringing How to Deny Yourself, Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus, Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies Movie Review, Phoenix Wilder And The Great Elephant Adventure Movie Review, The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island Movie Review. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. He is also available for conference speaking in areas involving biblical studies, theology, ethics, leadership, science / religion, and the intersection of Christianity and culture. Chicago: Moody Press. He was neither fully Jew, nor fully Greek. Ezra Where the spiritually immature are often harsh in response to being wronged, the spiritually mature instead respond with gentleness. THE QUALIFICATIONS OF DEACONS The only passage that mentions the qualifications for deacons is 1 Timothy 3:8-13. It is probable that of these two cities, it was Lystra treat was Timothy's native place. He does not keep a list of all the wrongs done to him, or hold a grudge. Timothy came from a mixed background - his father was a Greek and his mother was Jewish believer. Most elders will be unpaid. This is the only non-character qualification in the list. After Timothys circumcision Paul had Timothy accompany him as he continued on his second missionary journey along with Silas (Acts 15:36-41). Joab These were spiritually mature male leaders that cared for the flock. At the same time, Paul used the truth of his final years to teach Timothy an important point. Paul is imprisoned in Rome, beginning in 61 A.D., at the end of his fourth missionary journey (Acts 28:16 - 31). 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 . The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. He knew that he needed guidance and insight, and Paul acted as a father to Timothy to provide for this need. When God looks for a man or woman to use, he finds someone with these qualities. Apostle Timothy of the Seventy 2015. While Timothy has often been understood as being timid, he actually possessed the qualities of being a strong and courageous servant of Jesus Christ. However, in Scripture, these titles refer to the same position. One fantastic way to grow as disciples (and to make disciples) is to study the disciples in the Bible. Paul holds a very high regard and love for Timothy throughout his life and journeys. Learn more about Dr. Mike at Christianity Every Day. During times past, some have believed Timothy to be easily frightened or timid; however, information from the Bible demonstrates that Paul viewed Timothy to be a very courageous man, and that is how believers should view him today. We have therefore created a library of almost one thousand (and growing) inductive Bible studies, which are available for free. Second Chronicles 16:9 (NIV) says, For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. When God looks for a spiritual leader, he finds someone with the right heart. In the KJV New Testament, he is referenced a total of twenty-eight times (nine times using his well-known name and nineteen times as Timotheus). Some may experience a blinding light like Paul or God speaking to them clearly like Samuel and Jeremiah, but this is not the norm. 6 MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1995). Are you praying for your spiritual leaders? And he must be well thought of by those outside the faith, so that he may not fall into disgrace and be caught by the devils trap. The letter identifies the traits of committed Christians and also offers practical and spiritual guidance to pastors and church leaders. How are you practicing love for strangers? If you follow the life of Timothy, you find that he was the kind of man that spent his whole life serving in ministry. Matt 25:23). All rights reserved. His father was Greek, his mother was a Jew and he was probably born in Lystra. But most importantly, these are qualities of people that God often chooses to use for his kingdomwhether male or female. Instead of managing their home in a manner worthy of full respect, their family is in disorder. A strong personality trait of Timothy that is often held by commentators is that Timothy is said to be timid (2 Timothy 1:7). What Can We Learn from Lois and Eunice in the Bible? - Crosswalk An elder must be a humble, mature man. 1 Timothy (p. 117). David Guzik said, This means that the Biblical leader is not a playboy, an adulterer, a flirt, and does not show romantic or sexual interest in other women, including the depictions or images of women in pornography.10. All Rights Reserved. It can hinder spiritual growth and ones ministry (cf. 2 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). 1 Cor 10:6. A short character profile of Timothy in the Bible will help us to see the potential for any child, no matter what their family circumstance, in doing great things for the Lord. 1.) (2000). Elisha Are you committed to studying and sharing Scripture? Paul's instructions in 1 Timothy are especially relevant to today's churches, in which size is often among the factors used to determine a church's success. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and lo. Be faithful in a supporting role and God will promote you. In addition, when God looks for someone to use, he looks for someone who has allowed themselves to be burdened by God. Often the teaching elders are called the pastors, while others are only called elders. Jonathan Timothy. And in general, all believers should covet and seek opportunities to serve God and his people. Like Timothy, are you young in age and in the faith? Rebekah (1 Timothy 4:12) While the qualities in this verse may apply to young men and women alike, I find that they provide a simple yet challenging paradigm for becoming men of God. Furthermore, it has been concluded that Timothy most likely accepted Christ on Pauls first missionary trip; however, one cannot be dogmatic on the exact moment of his conversion, though we do know that he did accept Christ. Timothy joined Paul and Silas on the second missionary journey and traveled over much of what is now Turkey. Are you a lover of wealth? And so it is with each person God calls. He gives whatever gifts one needs to carry out his responsibility within the body. The Character of Timothy. Timothy was a native of either Derbe or Lystra. Some people question why Paul had Timothy circumcised, especially after recently having a heated disagreement with Peter for not speaking out against circumcision when Peter was around other Jews. You must memorize it day and night so you can carefully obey all that is written in it. From an early age, Timothy put his faith in the Lord (Acts 16:1; 2 Tim. In 2 Timothy 2:20-26, Paul uses the illustration of a master with a great household. It is plausible that Eunice was one of Pauls early converts from his first missionary trip. Her house is the way to the grave, going down to the chambers of death. Big Question: What are the essential qualities of an elder and how can we apply this to our church and our personal lives? Elders should be spiritually mature males who shepherd the church. When God looks for a person to use, he finds someone committed to studying and sharing Gods Word. Paul testified to those in Philippi regarding the unique Christian character of Timothy and his dedication to spreading the gospel. Lot A Native of Lystra: He was a resident, and apparently a native, either of Lystra or Derbe, cities which were visited and evangelized by Paul on his 1st missionary journey ( Acts 14:6 ). Many are the victims brought down by sexual promiscuity. 7 Hughes, R. K., & Chapell, B. Application Question: Why is it so important for the elders life to be above approach? He also sent instruction on a number of topics such as prayer, appropriate dress, the selection of bishops and deacons. Paul, Great steadfastness and trustworthiness, so that St. Paul found he could always rely on him. Related Topics: Christian Life, Ecclesiology (The Church), Issues in Church Leadership/Ministry, Leadership, Greg Brown has served twenty years in pastoral ministry, including twelve in his current position as a chaplain and professor at Handong Global University and the teaching pastor at Handong International Congregation. He must manage his own household well and keep his children in control without losing his dignity. Are you giving attention to your heartyour character? However, we do see that Timothys mother did have the help of her mother Lois, who was also a believer, in raising Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5). But you, as a person dedicated to God, keep away from all that. Because Eli knew of their rebellion and did nothing, God severely cursed him and his descendantsno one from his family would ever reach an old age (cf. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him; and he took him and had . 4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe. For instance, in Acts 20:4 in a list of Paul's friends there are the . If the elder does not have a beautiful witness, it opens the door to fall into disgrace and the devils trap. Paul said he must not be a recent convert. The phrase means one newly planted, referring to a young Christian.22 The ministry of an elder requires experience, wisdom, and understanding. Thus, Timothy was mainly influenced in his life by his mother and grandmother to prepare him for when he would meet Paul and ultimately accept Christ. WEB: He came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed; but his father was a Greek. He must have only one wife and must be respected for his good living. He joined Paul during one of Paul's later missionary journeys. The Biblical Qualifications and Responsibilities of Deacons 5 For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church? Elder represents spiritual maturity and wisdom. Mordecai and Haman This saying is trustworthy: If someone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work. The overseer then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. Here are just a few highpoints about his life that we glean from the New Testament: The life of Timothy gives us many examples that we can use both in our personal lives and our ministries. Timothy was a native of Lystra. Timothy was often ill, yet he did not let this get in the way of him serving the Lord. Previously, I addressed the first of these qualities, speech, with seven lessons for what men say. Learn Religions, Dec. 6, 2021, learnreligions.com/book-of-1-timothy-701043. The grandmother of Timothy, on his mother's side, was named Lois and she, too, became a Christian. Two scholarly camps exist on the major theme of 1 Timothy. When it says that the elder does this without losing his dignity or in a manner worthy of full of respect (NIV), it means that the elders house should be a model for others. He came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed; but his father was a Greek. Application Question: What are your triggers? Those are essential parts of a call to pastoral ministryit is an inner desire to serve God and care for his people and the discipline to pursue it. NT:5095 Timotheos (tee-moth-eh-os); from NT:5092 and NT:2316; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian: 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. When God typically calls us to anything, including becoming an elder, he simply gives us the heart for it and the discipline to pursue it. The answer to why Paul circumcised Timothy is found in Acts 16:3-4. Meet the Apostle John: 'The Disciple Jesus Loved', The Book of Revelation, a Prophecy of Warning and Hope, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University, The importance of believing right (1:1-20), How church members should worship and behave (2:1-3:16), How church leaders should behave (4:1-6:21). Some churches distinguish these as ruling elders or teaching elders. Application Question: Why is the practice of hospitality so important? Application Question: Are there any areas in your life that the enemy could take hold of to accuse you or the church? 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus: to guard the deposit (p. 76). 3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Paul wrote letters to Timothy, whom he had left there to address the heresy and ungodly living that had arisen (1 Timothy; 2 Timothy). It is a domestic term. Just because Timothy was young, it did not mean that he could not do mighty things for God as the life of Timothy teaches the believer that God can use any person no matter what age they are when He calls them. In 2 Timothy, one of the major themes is suffering for Christ. Joseph step-father of Jesus (NIV), 1 Timothy 6:10-11For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some theologians have believed that the translation of the Greek word into timid or fear does a great disservice to Timothy. Question? This might also suggest that Timothys mother could have been a single mother or simply tasked with raising Timothy without the influence of his father. 1 Timothy (p. 106). Answer Timothy, the recipient of the two New Testament letters bearing his name, was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. Dr. Mike holds under-graduate through post graduate degrees in Christian Education and formerly worked as a nurse. He warned the Ephesian elders that false teachers would arise, even from their own number, and hurt the flock. Application Question: Describe a time when you left room for Gods wrath. Application Question: Why is being in Gods Word and sharing it with others so important for believers, and especially elders? It includes faithfulness with financesthe elder pays his bills on time and stays out of debt. Butler A 1866. This is a living example of what Paul described in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 about being all things to all men so that he might be able to more effectively preach the gospel message of salvation. How can you grow in them? Unloving, narrow, stingy leaders beget an unloving, narrow, stingy church.1. Paul wrote this letter to the church leader, Timothy, his protg and spiritual son, and to all future pastors and believers. If a person manages his family well, then he will be able to manage Gods church. Like Paul, they declare that they will not eat meat, drink wine, or do anything else if it causes a brother to stumble (Rom 14:21).