Timothy Paul’s Protégé, Part 1

If you saw an evangelist being stoned for preaching the gospel, would you be eager to train under him? Timothy was. He was a young man whose mother was Jewish but whose father was Greek. Nevertheless, he had been brought up to believe in the true God (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).

Timothy most likely met Paul during the apostle’s first missionary journey, when Paul and Barnabas stopped in Lystra, a city in Lycaonia, a region in modern-day Turkey (Acts 14:6, 7). At that time, a group of Jews who had previously opposed Paul and Barnabas’ preaching followed and discovered the two Christians. The Jews succeeded in inciting a mob, who proceeded to stone Paul and leave him for dead (v. 19).

Outside the city, Paul lay bruised and beaten. But he was not alone. Those to whom he had preached in Lystra, those who had come to believe in the gospel, surrounded him. Despairing, disconsolate, perhaps even praying, these faithful disciples peered down at the still, bloodied body of Paul. Suddenly, it moved! He was alive. By a miracle from God, Paul was alive (v. 20).

What an impression that scene must have made on the mind of young Timothy. The next day, Paul and Barnabas traveled onward, but the fire within Timothy’s heart did not die out.

Several years later, when Paul returned to Lycaonia on his second missionary journey, the young disciple had grown in his faith and was even “well-spoken of by the brethren” (16:2). On this recommendation, Paul decided for Timothy to accompany him on his travels.

But before they departed, Timothy consented to be circumcised (v. 3). As a Jew on his mother’s side, he knew that any Jews aware of his heritage would be more inclined to respect his witness if he respected their customs. Committed to his calling, he desired to reach as many souls as possible for God’s kingdom and to take every opportunity for their salvation.

Reflect: Timothy made a major decision to become a missionary. What must you sacrifice in order to fully commit your life to Christ and share His gospel? “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart” (Psalm 51:17).

Key Bible Texts

To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2 Timothy 1:2 KJV)