Lectionary Calendar
Monday, March 18th, 2024
the Fifth Week of Lent
There are 13 days til Easter!
Attention!
Take your personal ministry to the Next Level by helping StudyLight build churches and supporting pastors in Uganda.
Click here to join the effort!

Bible Dictionaries
Timothy

Holman Bible Dictionary

Search for…
or
1 2 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
Prev Entry
Timon
Next Entry
Tin
Resource Toolbox
Additional Links
(tihm' oh thee) Personal name meaning, “honoring God.” Friend and trusted coworker of Paul. When Timothy was a child, his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois taught him the Scriptures (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15 ). A native of Lystra, he may have been converted on Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 14:6-23 ). Paul referred to Timothy as his child in the faith (1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2 ). This probably means that Paul was instrumental in Timothy's conversion. When Paul came to Lystra on his second journey, Timothy was a disciple who was well-respected by the believers (Acts 16:1-2 ). Paul asked Timothy to accompany him. Timothy's father was a Greek, and Timothy had not been circumcised. Because they would be ministering to many Jews and because Timothy's mother was Jewish, Paul had Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3 ).

Timothy not only accompanied Paul but also was sent on many crucial missions by Paul (Acts 17:14-15; Acts 18:5; Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:19; 1Thessalonians 3:2,1 Thessalonians 3:6 ). For example, when Paul was unable to go to Corinth, he sent Timothy to represent Paul and his teachings (1 Corinthians 4:17 ). Later when Paul was in prison, he sent Timothy to Philippi (Philippians 2:19 ).

Paul felt that no one had any more compassion and commitment than Timothy (Philippians 2:20-22 ).

So close were Paul and Timothy that both names are listed as the authors of six of Paul's letters (2 Corinthians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; Philippians 1:1 ). In addition, Paul wrote two letters to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2 ). As Paul's ministry neared the end, he challenged Timothy to remain true to his calling (1 Timothy 1:18 ). As Paul faced death, he asked Timothy to come to be with him (2 Timothy 4:9 ). At some point in his life, Timothy was imprisoned; but he was released (Hebrews 13:23 ). See Paul; 1Timothy; 2Timothy .

Robert J. Dean

Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Timothy'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hbd/​t/timothy.html. 1991.
adsFree icon
Ads FreeProfile