Timothy
Paul’s son in the faith
Who was Timothy?
- Son of a Jewish woman who was a believer and of a Greek father. Paul met him in Lystra. Acts 16:1-2
- He traveled with Paul, and Paul sent him to encourage the communities. Acts 16:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:2
- Two letters in the Bible are addressed to him, and they call him “son.” 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2
- From
- Probably from Lystra; that is where Paul met him Acts 16:1-2
- Occupation
- Paul’s co-worker in proclaiming the Gospel Romans 16:21
- Feast day
- January 26: Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops
What the Bible says
Acts 16:1-2
1And he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, there was a certain disciple there named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman that believed; but his father was a Gentile. 2To this man the brethren that were in Lystra and Iconium, gave a good testimony.
Acts 16:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:2
Him Paul would have to go along with him: and taking him he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile.
1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, his beloved son in faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
The path of Timothy
- Before Jesus. He was the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer and of a Greek father. Acts 16:1
- Before Jesus. His grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice had a sincere faith, and that faith lived in him too. 2 Timothy 1:5
- Before Jesus. He had known the Sacred Scriptures since he was a child. 2 Timothy 3:15
- With Jesus. The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him, and Paul wanted to take him along. Acts 16:2-3
- With Jesus. Paul, Silas and Timothy went from city to city. They handed on to the Christians what the apostles and elders in Jerusalem had decided. The churches grew every day. Acts 16:4-5
- With Jesus. He traveled with Paul and Silas. Paul sent him to Thessalonica to encourage the Christians in their trials. Acts 17:14; 1 Thessalonians 3:2
- With Jesus. Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia to Corinth. Then Paul gave himself completely to proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah. Acts 18:5
- With Jesus. Paul also sent him to Corinth and to Philippi. 1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:19
- With Jesus. From Ephesus, Paul sent Timothy and Erastus, two of his helpers, to Macedonia. Acts 19:22
- With Jesus. Later, Timothy went with Paul on another journey, with companions from Beroea, Thessalonica, Derbe and Asia. Acts 20:4
- Afterward. The First Letter to Timothy asks him to stay in Ephesus to look after the teaching. 1 Timothy 1:3
- Afterward. The Second Letter to Timothy asks him to come quickly to see Paul, before winter, and to bring Mark with him. 2 Timothy 4:9-11, 21
- Afterward. According to Tradition: According to tradition, he was the first bishop of Ephesus. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History III, 4, 5
Words of Timothy
The Bible records no words spoken by Timothy. His name is at the beginning of six of Paul’s letters, and two letters are addressed to him.
What they were like
- Paul says that he had no one else like him, who cared so much for others. Philippians 2:20
- He served with Paul in the Gospel like a son with his father. Philippians 2:22
- The Second Letter to Timothy remembers his tears. 2 Timothy 1:4
The greatest thing they did
- Paul sent him to Thessalonica to encourage the Christians, and Timothy came back with good news of their faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 6
- His name appears next to Paul’s at the beginning of six letters. 2 Corinthians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon 1:1
Not to be confused with
- Titus was another of Paul’s co-workers, a Greek, and there is also a letter addressed to him. The Church celebrates the two of them together on January 26 (General Roman Calendar). Galatians 2:3; Titus 1:4
In the Church today
Feast day: January 26, Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops (memorial). General Roman Calendar
What people ask
Who was Timothy’s family?
His mother was a Jewish believer and his father was Greek. The Second Letter to Timothy names his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5
Was Timothy very young?
The Bible does not give his age. The First Letter to Timothy tells him to let no one look down on him for being young. 1 Timothy 4:12
What does it mean that Paul laid his hands on him?
The Second Letter to Timothy reminds him of the gift of God he received through the laying on of hands. The Catechism quotes that verse when speaking of the sacrament of Holy Orders. 2 Timothy 1:6; Catechism 1590
Was Timothy ever in prison?
Yes. The Letter to the Hebrews says that “our brother Timothy” had been set free. Hebrews 13:23
What does his second letter teach Timothy about the Bible?
That all Scripture is inspired by God. And that it is useful for teaching, for correcting and for training in what is good. 2 Timothy 3:16
What is “the deposit” that Timothy had to guard?
The First Letter to Timothy asks him to guard what was entrusted to him. The Catechism explains that it is the deposit of faith: what the apostles entrusted to the whole Church. 1 Timothy 6:20; Catechism 84
His trials The First Letter to Timothy advises him to take a little wine for his frequent illnesses. 1 Timothy 5:23 He was imprisoned and then released. Hebrews 13:23 Little…
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