In the dust of a small Roman town called Lystra, a young man was watching… listening. He didn’t know it yet, but his life was about to change forever.
This is the story of Timothy.
A story of conversion, discipleship, and commissioning — a journey that would bridge the gap between the apostles and the organised church. And it all began with the power of influence. Before Paul… there was Lois and Eunice. Timothy’s grandmother and mother. Two women of unshakable faith. The Apostle Paul later wrote:
“I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”.
They were Jews, but believers in the Messiah. They taught young Timothy the Scriptures, filling his heart with the promises of a coming Saviour. Paul wrote of Timothy,
“From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”.
Long before Paul ever spoke his name, Lois and Eunice had planted the seeds. Then came Paul… battered, scarred, a man who had just survived stoning in this very town. And yet, he returned.
Something about this fearless preacher captured Timothy’s attention. The man who once hated Christians was now willing to die for Christ. Paul saw in Timothy what others hadn’t: a spark, potential, a heart ready to serve.
The book of Acts records,
“Paul came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy… him Paul wanted to go on with him.”.
And with that, Timothy’s journey from observer to participant began. But discipleship comes with a cost. Timothy, the son of a Greek father, was uncircumcised. This was a potential stumbling block to ministry among Jews. Paul made a difficult request — and Timothy agreed.
The Scriptures tell us,
“Paul took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region.”.
It was more than a physical act — it was a surrender of comfort, of identity… for the sake of the gospel. From that day forward, Timothy became more than a disciple — he became a son in the faith.
“To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.”.
Through miles of roads, shipwrecks, and persecution… Paul poured himself into Timothy. Timothy witnessed the gospel lived out — in prisons, in marketplaces, and in church halls. Paul wrote of him,
“I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state… But you know his proven character.”.
And then the time came for Timothy to lead. Paul, ever the mentor, left him in Ephesus — one of the great cities of the ancient world — to guard the young church. Paul wrote,
“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia — remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine.”.
Timothy, once the quiet listener, was now the protector of truth. And with this, a shift was underway — from itinerant apostles to local church leadership. Timothy was no longer just Paul’s shadow. He was a bishop, a shepherd. Paul didn’t leave him empty-handed. His letters First and Second Timothy are filled with guidance for this new era of church leadership:
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Paul knew his time was short. From a Roman prison, he penned his final words… and he wrote them… to Timothy.
“The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
His last charge wasn’t to any church or city, but to his spiritual son.
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.”
Timothy would carry the torch forward — into a new era of faith. History and tradition tell us that Timothy did just that. The early church father Eusebius writes.
“Timothy, so it is said, was the first bishop appointed to the church of Ephesus by the blessed Paul, and he remained there until his martyrdom.”
Later accounts tell how Timothy died — standing up to idolatry. He confronted a pagan festival honouring Artemis… and was beaten to death for his witness. Timothy’s story is not just ancient history. It’s our story. A story of how the gospel moves… from generation to generation. From faithful mothers and grandmothers… to bold mentors… to a young man willing to risk it all. And the challenge remains…
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”.
Discipleship is legacy. Influence is eternal. Who are you influencing? Who are you raising up? The story of Timothy reminds us that we are all part of a much bigger story. And as Paul said.
“Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
