Timothy

Introduction. This lesson discusses the life and ministry of Timothy, Paul’s “dearly beloved” and “own son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2).

I. Timothy’s Early Life

1. His father was a Greek (Acts 16:1).
2. He was a native of Lystra (Acts 16:1).
   1. Lystra was a Roman colony founded by Augustus with an aristocratic core of citizens with franchise, a group likely to honor the similar status of Paul.
   2. At Isauria, not far away, an inscription has been found to “Zeus before the gate,” hence it was probably the location of the proposed ceremony mentioned in Acts 14:13.
3. His mother and grandmother were Jewish and instructed him in the faith (2 Timothy 1:5).
4. He was converted as a result of Paul’s first journey through Lystra and was named as a disciple there upon Paul’s arrival on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:1).
5. He was circumcised because of the Jews who knew his father was a Greek (Acts 16:3).

II. Assisted Paul On His Second Missionary Journey

1. He was left at Berea (Acts 17:14).
2. Instructed to join Paul at Athens (Acts 17:15).
3. Sent by Paul to Thessalonica to establish and comfort brethren (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3).
4. Rejoined Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5, Romans 16:21).

III. Assisted Paul On His Third Missionary Journey

1. Paul sent him from Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts 19:22) and Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:8).
2. Rejoined Paul in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 1:1).
3. Accompanied Paul to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4).

IV. Accompanied Paul To Rome
A. A faithful companion (Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1). B. Paul spoke very highly of him (Philippians 2:19-20).

V. Assisted Paul After His Release From Prison A. Sent to Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3).

B. Requested to rejoin Paul at Rome during his second imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:9).

VI. Paul’s Instructions To Timothy

1. Instruct men not to teach false doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3).
2. Fight the good fight, keep the faith and a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:18-19).
3. Know how to conduct oneself in the church (1 Timothy 3:15).
4. Teach the pure gospel (1 Timothy 4:6-7).
5. Be an example to the believers (1 Timothy 4:12).
6. Guard what has been entrusted (1 Timothy 6:20).
7. Be strong in the faith (2 Timothy 2: 1-3).
8. Be diligent to present yourself to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the work of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
9. Flee youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22).
10. Live according to God’s word (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
11. Proclaim the word (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
12. Endure hardship and do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5).
13. Appropriate principles.
    1. Train up a child in the way that he should go (Proverbs 22:6).
    2. Remember your creator in the days of your youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
    3. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God.
    4. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.
    5. Younger Christians can be valuable workers for the Lord.
    6. Older Christians often take younger ones “under their wings.”
    Conclusion. Timothy was a young man who was very helpful in the

kingdom of God. He is a good example, especially for the young, of one who gave his all for Christ. May there be many who follow him.

Questions:

1. Was Timothy raised in the Jewish faith?
2. Why was Timothy circumcised and not Titus (Galatians 2:3)?
3. Why was Timothy so entrusted by Paul with great responsibility at an early age?
4. What was the role of Timothy at Ephesus as described in 1 and 2 Timothy?

5. Was Paul concerned for Timothy’s spiritual fate?
6. What were Paul’s feelings toward Timothy?
7. Was Timothy also imprisoned for his faith (Hebrews 13:23)?