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Lessons from Timothy, April 28
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2
Timothy 3:15
.
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
cooperated 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 fitted to
take his place as Paul’s helper. And though young, he bore his responsibilities with
Christian meekness....
Paul loved Timothy, his “own son in the faith” (
1 Timothy 1:2
). The great
apostle often drew the younger disciple out, questioning him in regard to Scripture
history, and as they traveled from place to place, he carefully taught him how to do
successful work. Both Paul and Silas ... sought to deepen the impression ... of the
sacred, serious nature of the work of the gospel minister.
In his work, Timothy constantly sought Paul’s advice and instruction. He did
not move from impulse, but exercised consideration and calm thought, inquiring at
every step, Is this the way of the Lord? The Holy Spirit found in him one who could
be molded and fashioned as a temple for the indwelling of the divine Presence.
As the lessons of the Bible are wrought into the daily life, they have a deep and
lasting influence upon the character. These lessons Timothy learned and practiced
(
The Acts of the Apostles, 203-205
).
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