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Portrait of TimothyPortrait · Timothy

Early Church · New Testament

Timothy

Young Church Leader and Co-worker of Paul

Name meaning
Honouring God
Name origin
Greek: Τιμόθεος (Timotheos), “honouring God”

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Missionary
  • Church leader
Birthplace
Lystra
Modern-day location
Lystra, near modern Hatunsaray in Konya Province, Turkey; the precise ancient site is approximate.
Family
  • Son of a Jewish mother and Greek father
  • Grandson Lois and son Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5)
First mention
Acts 16:1-3
Last mention
2 Timothy 4:21 (traditional attribution)
Key artifacts
  • Scrolls
  • Traveling staff
  • Hands laid on for ministry

Key verses

  • “the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice.”

    2 Timothy 1:5

  • “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers.”

    1 Timothy 4:12

  • “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

    2 Timothy 4:7

Biography

Early Life

Timothy grew up in Lystra with a Jewish mother, Eunice, and grandmother Lois, who taught him the Scriptures. His father was Greek.

Defining Biblical Moments

Paul invited Timothy to join his missionary work. He served churches, received pastoral counsel in letters, and was urged not to let others despise his youth.

Strengths

Timothy is portrayed as sincere, teachable, and faithful in service across communities.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His youth and recurring need for encouragement show that leadership grows with mentoring and perseverance.

Life Lessons for Today

His youth and recurring need for encouragement show that leadership grows with mentoring and perseverance.

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Timothy appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #41 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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