Why did Paul write to Timothy?

Why did Paul write to Timothy?



Hmmm … Why did Paul write to Timothy? Who was this man, and why was he special?

Timothy was from Lystra, a city in what is the southern area of modern day Turkey. What an interesting life he led! And how well-suited to be mentored by the apostle Paul. While his father was Greek, and irreligious, his mother Eunice, was a Jewish woman who became a Christian after listening to Paul’s teaching about the Messiah Jesus. His grandmother was Lois, also a woman of great faith and influence in Timothy’s upbringing and view of life. These women taught him the Old Testament scriptures from the time he was a small lad.

On Paul’s second trip to Timothy’s town, he noted that Timothy was a young man of great faith and fine Christian character, and recruited him to his ministry. Paul described Timothy as unique—there was no one like him.1 In fact, he loved him so much that he referred to him as his son, ‘my beloved child’2. Clearly, Paul was correct about his inclinations toward Timothy, as Timothy goes on to become his traveling companion and ministry partner, being mentored and trained by Paul as they went along. Paul trusted him so much that he left Timothy in charge of the church at Ephesus—where Paul had lived and loved for three years (longer than any other church community he planted).

Paul writes two letters to the young pastor, Timothy, instructing him in the ways of church leadership; we call those letters 1 and 2 Timothy. It is at the close of the second letter, where Paul’s affection for Timothy is quite crystalized—for in his time of greatest need, it was Timothy he wanted to be with him. Paul was in prison a second time, and feeling that this time his trial would bring about adverse judgment and likely, death. He wrote from Rome to Timothy at Ephesus, affectionately requesting him to come to him:

"Do your best to come to me quickly"3. At that time, when no Christian friend was with Paul except Luke4, it was to Timothy he turned for sympathy and aid. He asked his own son in the faith, Timothy, to come to him and be with him in his last hours—so true and tender was the affection which bound them together. Whether Timothy was able to reach Rome, so as to be with Paul before his execution, is unknown.

What strikes me most about Timothy is his faithfulness. Timothy was on the scene when Paul’s ministry first started; he was teachable, he grew in his faith and knowledge, answered and embraced his call, and remained faithful.

Christine

PastorWoman.com


1 – from Philippians 2

2 – 2 Timothy 1.2

3 – 2 Timothy 4.9, NIRV

4 – 2 Timothy 4.11