136
The Acts of the Apostles
we find him again on the scene of his former danger. He was anxious
to see how those who through his labors had accepted the gospel were
enduring the test of trial. He was not disappointed, for he found that the
Lystrian believers had remained firm in the face of violent opposition.
Here Paul again met Timothy, who had witnessed his sufferings at
the close of his first visit to Lystra and upon whose mind the impres-
sion then made had deepened with the passing of time until he was
convinced that it was his duty to give himself fully to the work of the
ministry. His heart was knit with the heart of Paul, and he longed to
[203]
share the apostle’s labors by assisting as the way might open.
Silas, Paul’s companion in labor, was a tried worker, gifted with
the spirit of prophecy; but the work to be done was so great that there
was need of training more laborers for active service. In Timothy Paul
saw one who appreciated the sacredness of the work of a minister;
who was not appalled at the prospect of suffering and persecution; and
who was willing to be taught. Yet the apostle did not venture to take
the responsibility of giving Timothy, an untried youth, a training in the
gospel ministry, without first fully satisfying himself in regard to his
character and his past life.
Timothy’s father was a Greek and his mother a Jewess. From
a child he had known the Scriptures. The piety that he saw in his
home life was sound and sensible. The faith of his mother and his
grandmother in the sacred oracles was to him a constant reminder
of the blessing in doing God’s will. The word of God was the rule
by which these two godly women had guided Timothy. The spiritual
power of the lessons that he had received from them kept him pure
in speech and unsullied by the evil influences with which he was
surrounded. Thus his home instructors had co-operated with God in
preparing him to bear burdens.
Paul saw that Timothy was faithful, steadfast, and true, and he
chose him as a companion in labor and travel. Those who had taught
Timothy in his childhood were rewarded by seeing the son of their
care linked in close fellowship with the great apostle. Timothy was
a mere youth when he was chosen by God to be a teacher, but his
principles had been so established by his early education that he was
[204]
fitted to take his place as Paul’s helper. And though young, he bore his
responsibilities with Christian meekness.