Timothy

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Greek Timotheos, “honoring God” (or “honored by God”).
• Period/Era: Early Church; Apostolic Age (Second Temple Period; Roman Imperial Context).
• Main References: Acts 16–20; Romans 16; 1–2 Corinthians; Philippians; Colossians; 1–2 Thessalonians; 1–2 Timothy.
• Key Connections: Son of a Jewish believer mother and Greek father (Acts 16:1); associated with Paul, Silas, and the churches in Macedonia and Asia Minor.

Who was Timothy?

Timothy was a younger coworker of the apostle Paul, first joining him at Lystra during Paul’s missionary travels (Acts 16:1–3).
He served as Paul’s envoy and representative to several congregations, including Corinth and Thessalonica (1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Thess. 3:2).
Two New Testament letters addressed to him (1–2 Timothy) present him as a trusted minister in the care of churches.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Joined Paul’s mission team at Lystra and was circumcised for ministry among Jews in the region (Acts 16:1–3).
• Event 2: Sent by Paul to strengthen and encourage believers in Thessalonica amid pressure (1 Thess. 3:2–6).
• Event 3: Named as a co-sender with Paul in several letters, reflecting shared labor in church formation (Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Timothy’s example shows how sustained, entrusted service supported apostolic ministry and the stability of early Christian congregations.

Key Verse

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." — 1 Timothy 4:12, ESV