February 19
Timothy
“… (Timothy) was well reported of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium.” —Acts 16:2
Read Acts 16:1-8
Timothy is introduced in the Bible as a “certain disciple.” His name actually means “God honouring.” Probably his mother, not his father, gave him this remarkable name; she was a converted Jewess named Eunice. Lois, her mother, was also a Christian. Timothy’s father, however, remained a heathen as far as we know and in all probability did not allow his son to be circumcised. Yet Timothy received a Christian upbringing from his mother and grandmother. What a blessing when children are raised in the fear of the Lord! Do not be irritated when your parents pray for and with you. Also, do not become disturbed when they warn you not to frequent places where you do not belong and are unable to meet the Lord. You are very privileged if your parents seek your eternal welfare. This also places an important responsibility upon you; they have shown you the way that you should go with the hope that you will respond positively. Can your life bear their scrutiny?
The teaching of the Apostle Paul also played an important part in Timothy’s upbringing. We read that Timothy was “a disciple,” which means that he was a follower of the Lord Jesus. He may have been converted under Paul’s ministry during his first or second visit at Lystra. The Word of God that was sown during his childhood took root, spread downward, bore fruit under Paul’s ministry, and he became a believer.
As a consequence, Timothy became an instrument used by the Lord, the pastor of the church at Ephesus. This work was very challenging, and therefore he needed Paul’s encouragement. In this way the Lord looked after His own work.
What has your Christian upbringing meant for you?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.