Today’s passage from Acts introduces us to a young man named Timothy – a young man who would become one of the most faithful and trusted companions of the apostle Paul.
Timothy was not an apostle himself, and he wasn’t a powerful preacher like Peter or a great theologian like Paul. But as we look at his life this morning, I want us to see that God uses faithful, humble servants to accomplish His work – ordinary people like Timothy, ordinary people like you and me.
We’ll look at Timothy’s life under three headings: firstly, his background; secondly, his ministry; and finally his character.
Timothy’s background
Firstly then, Timothy’s background. We learn about his early life from both the book of Acts and Paul’s letters. He came from the city of Lystra in Asia Minor, in what is Turkey today. His father was Greek but his mother was a Jew.
In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we read that his mother’s name was Eunice and his grandmother’s was Lois. Both of these ladies in Timothy’s life were sincere believers in the God of Israel, and they passed their faith on to him – from his childhood they had taught Timothy the Holy Scriptures – our Old Testament. Before he ever met the great apostle Paul, Timothy had learnt about God from his mother and grandmother.
- If we are parents or grandparents today, this should remind us of the great privilege and responsibility we have to pass our Christian faith on to our children and grandchildren. It should be our duty and joy to regularly read the Bible with them, to pray with them (and for them) – and to bring them to church week by week, where they can learn about the Lord alongside their peers.
- Like Eunice and Lois, our greatest ambition for our offspring should be to see them grow up to know and love the Lord Jesus. For if they know him they are ‘set up’ – not just for life, but for eternity. If our kids come to know Christ they will have a perfect companion, a closer friend than anyone could hope for – a Saviour who will strengthen, guide and sustain them, forever!
- Even in later years, when our kids have long-since ‘flown the nest’, we can still pray that our children’s faith will flourish – perhaps for the first time.
It is likely that Timothy and his mother became Christians during the apostle Paul’s first missionary journey, when he visited Lystra and preached the Gospel there. Paul later referred to Timothy as “my true son in the faith,” suggesting that he had personally played an important role in Timothy’s conversion.
By the time Paul returned to Lystra in our passage today, Timothy had already developed an excellent reputation within the Lystrian Church. Though young in years, his spiritual maturity was well known and respected. Unsurprisingly, Paul invited Timothy to become his apprentice – “You’re hired!” he might have said!
Timothy’s ministry
Timothy’s family must have been so proud to see him join the apostle Paul’s missionary team. But what did he do next? Well, Timothy became one of Paul’s closest ministry companions and a hard-working missionary. He travelled on foot through the lands we now call Turkey and Greece, telling countless people about the Christian faith.
It seems Timothy was Paul’s trusted ambassador as well as his young apprentice. For Paul repeatedly sent Timothy to churches where some rather delicate diplomatic intervention was required. For example:
- Timothy was sent to Thessalonica to strengthen and encourage new Christians facing persecution for their faith.
- Paul also dispatched Timothy to Corinth, where the congregation was divided and disordered, to bring some truth and harmony to the Church there.
- But perhaps Timothy’s greatest responsibility came when Paul left him in Ephesus. He was instructed to preach the Gospel, combat false teaching, appoint church leaders and offer pastoral care to the congregation.
Paul’s confidence in Timothy is beautifully expressed in his letter to the Philippians where he says that he has no one else quite like Timothy at his side.
Timothy is truly a hero of the New Testament, despite not being a famous apostle, not being well known for writing letters, nor for performing amazing miracles. Timothy’s name is in the history books because he was a faithful, hardworking follower of Jesus. He did what he could to spread the gospel. He used his talents to serve Jesus to the best of his ability. He worked hard at whatever tasks God put before him. He was an ordinary individual who did what he could with the gifts God had given him.
- Whoever we are, we should imitate Timothy and put whatever time, treasure and talent we have at the Lord’s disposal. If we lay them at his feet, there’s no limit to what he can make of them!
Timothy’s character
I want to end by describing Timothy’s character. He had no superhero skills or incredible talents. He had the same kind of limitations that we all have, yet still God was willing and able to do great things through him.
For a start, Timothy was a young man when Paul met him, possibly still a teenager. And we know from Paul’s letters that some people looked down on Timothy because of his youth. Timothy had to be reminded that the Lord really had called him into church leadership, whatever other people might think.
Timothy also appears to have had a rather shy and fearful personality. In one of his letters Paul has to reminds Timothy to ask God for power, love, self-discipline and strength. Timothy’s courage didn’t come naturally – he had to pray for it. Timothy wasn’t a supremely self-confident individual – he had to trust the Lord to help him.
Thirdly and finally, Timothy also seems to have suffered from recurring health problems. In one of his letters, Paul says to Timothy, “drink a little wine because of your stomach and frequent illnesses.” Yet Timothy’s medical challenges did not prevent him exercising a fruitful ministry – quite the opposite.
Conclusion
So, as I finish, Timothy’s life reminds us that God can do remarkable things through the most unremarkable, unexpected of people:
- Christians who are too young and inexperienced in the eyes of the world can still be wise and well-qualified for ministry in the eyes of God.
- Christians who are naturally quiet and shy can still be empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel and serve Christ’s Church.
- And Christians who wrestle with physical weaknesses can still be spiritual heavyweights who they love and trust the Lord Jesus.
Whoever we are – young or old, strong or weak – let’s seek God’s help to follow Timothy’s inspiring example.