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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.
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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
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, in all their association with Timothy, sought to deepen the
impression that had already been made upon his mind, of the sacred,
serious nature of the work of the gospel minister.—
The Acts of the
Apostles, 203, 204
.
* * * * *
In his work, Timothy constantly sought Paul’s advice and instruc-
tion. He did not move from impulse, but exercised consideration and
calm thought, inquiring at every step, Is this the way of the Lord?—
Idem, page 205
.
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