Teens in the Bible - Timothy

Chapter 28 teen Timothy

Timothy was a teenager when he first met the apostle Paul. His father was Greek and a Gentile, but his mother was Jewish, an Israelite, and one of the first Christians along with Timothy’s grandmother. The apostle Paul speaks highly of them and in his second letter to Timothy he says, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (Contrast his upbringing with that of Lot’s daughters from last Saturday’s post. What a difference, huh?)

Paul took Timothy with him on his travels and trained him up in the faith. Timothy was a servant to Paul and, as time went on, he was a pastor as well.

This is my favorite teen of all the ones we've looked at throughout the Old and New Testaments. I like being a detective and figuring out all the little clues about him hidden in the Scriptures: Timothy had a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. He had followed the good teaching of Christ. He trained himself to be godly. He was a comfort to others. Much had been entrusted to his care. He wasn't afraid to show emotion – Paul remembers Timothy’s tears when they parted.

Timothy also had a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. And if he followed Paul’s instructions, and I’m sure he did, then he preached the Word; he was always prepared; he was ready to correct; rebuke and encourage; he was patient; and he gave careful instruction. He kept his head in all situations; he endured hardships; he did the work of an evangelist; and he discharged all the duties of his ministry. 

What a teen. What a man.