Congregational Book Study, Week of September 16-22, 2024, Chapter 15, paragraphs 13-14 and box on page 121, Answers.

Congregational Book Study, September 16-22, 2024, Chapter 15, paragraphs 13-14 and box on page 121, Answers.

Congregational Bible Study (30 mins.) bt ch. 15 pars. 13, 14 and box on p. 121.

“They spoke highly of him” (Acts 16:1-3)

13, 14. (a) Who was Timothy, and how did Paul meet him?

Timothy was a prominent disciple in the Christian Congregation, highly recommended by the brothers in his city of Lystra and in nearby Iconium. Paul first met him when he visited the region of Galatia during his first missionary journey.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Timothy was a young Christian disciple who lived in Lystra, a city in the Roman province of Galatia. His mother was a believing Jewish woman and his father was Greek. Timothy was raised in a home where from a very young age his mother and his grandmother Lois taught him the word of God. This early education in the Hebrew scriptures formed in Timothy a deep and sincere faith, which later led him to become a devout Christian.

Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey around the year 49 or 50 AD when he visited Lystra for the second time. It is likely that Paul had met Timothy's family during his first visit to the area some two or three years earlier and that on that occasion the family had converted to Christianity. During his second visit Paul noticed Timothy because of the excellent references he had had of him, both from the brothers in Lystra and from those in the nearby city of Iconium which reflected his good reputation and commitment to the faith.

13, 14. b) Why did Paul pay attention to Timothy?

Paul paid more attention to Timothy, because the Christians of Lystra and Iconium, about 30 km away, gave favorable testimony about him. Timothy's excellent reputation based on his good conduct and commitment was what made Paul consider him to accompany him in his missionary work.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Although the congregations in Lystra and Iconium were separated by about 30 km, the Brethren spoke highly of Timothy, which showed that he was an exemplary Christian and that his conduct and faith were worthy of admiration. The way in which the Brethren spoke of Timothy showed Paul that he was a young man with exceptional qualities to serve in missionary work.

Also the fact that Timothy had been raised with a deep knowledge of the scriptures by his Jewish mother and grandmother, but also had a cultural connection to the Gentiles because of his Greek father, gave him an added advantage in preaching to both Jews and Gentiles.

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit also influenced Paul's decision. Since Timothy was singled out as someone worthy of assuming greater responsibilities and the local elders recommended him to accompany Paul in his missionary work, all these factors made Paul notice Timothy as a valuable collaborator in the expansion of Christianity.

13, 14. c) What responsibility was given to Timothy?

Timothy was given the responsibility of accompanying Paul and Silas in their missionary work as a traveling overseer. His favorable reputation among the Congregations of Lystra and Iconium was key to the elders choosing him for this task, confirming that the Holy Spirit was guiding this decision.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Timothy was charged with the important responsibility of accompanying Paul and Silas on their missionary journeys, acting as a traveling overseer, this role entailed not only preaching and teaching but also overseeing the congregations ensuring that the teachings were faithful to the Christian message under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Timothy was selected for this task because of his reputation for faith and abilities, however in order to facilitate his acceptance among the Jews he would preach to Timothy agreed to be circumcised even though his father was Greek, showing his willingness to make sacrifices for the cause of the Gospel.

Additionally, during the approximately 11 years that he worked alongside Paul, Timothy assumed various significant responsibilities, preaching in several cities including Philippi, Berea Thessalonica, Corinth and Ephesus and was sent to congregations that faced serious problems where he had the authority to correct doctrinal errors and appoint elders and ministerial servants, this extensive work and the multiple missions entrusted to him highlight the confidence that Paul had in him and his ability to fulfill these responsibilities effectively.

TIMOTHY “SERVED AS A SLAVE […] IN THE SPREAD OF THE GOOD NEWS”

Timothy played a fundamental role in the expansion of Christianity by accompanying Paul on his missionary journeys and being an indispensable support for him. Paul deeply valued Timothy to the point of describing him as someone with a unique attitude, who genuinely cared for his Christian brothers. 

This description highlights the deep affection and high regard Paul had for Timothy, considering him not only a co-worker but a spiritual son. From a young age Timothy proved to be a faithful servant in spreading the good news, something that earned him Paul's affection and trust. Even though he probably faced insecurities due to his youth and fragile health, Paul encouraged and empowered him to continue with his assignments.

Timothy traveled extensively preaching in various cities and supporting the Congregations in critical moments, which underlines his dedication and commitment to missionary work.

The relationship between Paul and Timothy was very close, Paul at the end of his life expressed his desire to see Timothy once more showing the deep emotional bond that united them, Although the Bible does not specify whether Timothy managed to see Paul before his death, this desire reflects the importance of Timothy in the life and Ministry of Paul.

Timothy's dedication and willingness to serve under difficult circumstances make him an example for Christians today.

Timothy helped Paul for about 11 years and Paul valued him very much, going so far as to say, "I have no one else with an attitude like his, someone who sincerely cares about you," as we see in Philippians 2:20-22.

Timothy had a Greek father and a Jewish mother and is believed to have been raised in Lystra.

During his childhood his mother and his grandmother Loida taught him the word of God from a very young age.

Timothy, along with his mother and grandmother, probably became Christians when Paul first visited Lystra.

The local elders regarding Timothy when he was about 20 years old, decided to give him a special assignment to accompany Paul in the Missionary work going through prophecies about him. In First Timothy 1 414 and Second Timothy 166 the following question asks why Timothy had to be circumcised. 

Timothy had to be circumcised so as not to cause the Jews to whom he preached to stumble. 

Timothy preached in Philippi, Berea, Thessalonica, Corinth and later traveled to Macedonia among other places, where he preached.

Paul told Timothy not to let anyone look down on your youth according to 1 Timothy 4:12 also encouraging him not to let his youth be a hindrance in his service.

Paul gave Timothy the authority to appoint elders and ministerial servants and charged him with the task of ordering certain people not to teach a different doctrine.

Paul had a special affection for Timothy, considering him more than a close and loyal friend, comparing him to a son. He expressed to him that he remembered his tears, he expressed to him that he remembered his tears, he wanted to see him and he prayed for him. In addition, he was concerned about his health.

In relation to Timothy during Paul's first time in prison in Rome, Timothy was at his side and at least for a certain time, he was also imprisoned with him.

The Bible does not specify whether Timothy managed to arrive in time to see his dear friend and teacher before Paul's death.