Lexical Summary Timotheos: Timothy Original Word: Τιμόθεος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Timothy, TimotheusFrom time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian -- Timotheus, Timothy. see GREEK time see GREEK theos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom timé and theos Definition Timothy, a Christian NASB Translation Timothy (24). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5095: ΤιμόθεοςΤιμόθεος, Τιμοθέου, ὁ, vocative Τιμοθη (1 Timothy 6:20; cf. Krüger, § 16 Anm. 2; (Winers Grammar, § 8, 2 c.; Buttmann, 12)), Timothy, a resident of Lystra, apparently, whose father was a Greek and mother a Jewess, Acts 16:1ff He was Paul's companion in travel, and fellow-laborer: Acts 17:14; Acts 18:5; Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:1, 19; Philippians 1:1; Philippians 2:19; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:2, 18; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:2; Philemon 1:1; Hebrews 13:23. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in the New Testament Timothy’s name appears twenty-four times, scattered through the historical narrative of Acts, the Pauline Epistles (both personal and congregational), and one reference in Hebrews. These occurrences trace a striking arc: from a young disciple in Lystra (Acts 16:1) to Paul’s seasoned delegate and finally a fellow prisoner released from confinement (Hebrews 13:23). His presence is noted in every stage of Paul’s missionary activity and epistolary ministry. Early Life and Conversion Acts 16:1-3 introduces Timothy as the son of a believing Jewish mother, Eunice, and a Greek father. Paul circumcised him “because of the Jews who lived in that area” (Acts 16:3), enabling Timothy to minister freely in both Jewish and Gentile settings. The faith that first dwelt in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5) had already taken root in the young man when Paul arrived, suggesting that Timothy was a fruit of earlier evangelistic outreach. Companion of Paul Timothy joined Paul and Silas on the second missionary journey, traveling through Asia Minor and into Macedonia. He is present when the gospel takes root in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, and Ephesus (Acts 17–20). Luke notes that he “devoted himself fully to the word” alongside Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5). During the third journey Timothy is again with the apostle, included among the team that carried the Jerusalem relief offering (Acts 20:4). Trusted Emissary Paul repeatedly dispatched Timothy to troubled churches: These missions reveal Paul’s confidence in Timothy’s doctrinal reliability, pastoral sensitivity, and personal integrity. Co-Author and Greetings Six canonical letters open with “Paul and Timothy”: 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon. His inclusion as co-sender underscores his recognized authority within the Pauline circle; the churches received these epistles as apostolic even with Timothy’s name attached. Pastoral Oversight in Ephesus Near the close of Paul’s life, Timothy was stationed in Ephesus to address false teaching and establish healthy church order (1 Timothy 1:3-7). The Pastoral Epistles set forth qualifications for elders and deacons, worship guidelines, and instructions for handling wealth, all entrusted to Timothy. 1 Timothy 6:20 highlights the commission: “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you…”. Paul’s Personal Affection Paul calls Timothy “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2) and “my beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2). The tenderness peaks in the apostle’s last letter: “Make every effort to come to me quickly” (2 Timothy 4:9). Timothy’s presence is Paul’s dying wish; the spiritual bond forged in ministry had matured into familial love. Character and Spiritual Qualities Paul commends Timothy’s proven worth (Philippians 2:22), youthful purity (1 Timothy 4:12), pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11). He is urged to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6) and to embody both courage and meekness—“God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7), yet the Lord’s servant must be “gentle toward everyone” (2 Timothy 2:24). Doctrinal Charges Timothy is commanded to: In him we see the New Testament transition from apostolic proclamation to the ongoing pastoral defense and dissemination of sound doctrine. Suffering and Endurance Timothy witnessed Paul’s persecutions (2 Timothy 3:10-11) and shared hardship: “Join me in suffering for the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8). 2 Timothy 2:3–4 sums up the call: “Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier entangles himself in civilian affairs; he seeks to please the one who enlisted him.” Last Biblical Note Hebrews 13:23 adds a final biographical detail: “Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.” Even after Paul’s death, Timothy continues faithful, enduring imprisonment for the gospel. Post-New-Testament Tradition Early church writers (Eusebius, the Acts of Timothy) report that Timothy remained in Ephesus as its first overseer and died a martyr under Domitian or Nerva. While extra-biblical, the tradition accords with the portrait of steadfast loyalty found in Scripture. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry 1. Spiritual Heritage – God often weaves together family influence and apostolic mentorship. Timothy stands as Scripture’s seminal example of a second-generation leader: converted through local witness, trained by an apostle, tested in varied assignments, and finally carrying forward the ministry after his mentor’s departure. Forms and Transliterations ετιμογράφησε Τιμοθεε Τιμόθεε Τιμοθεον Τιμόθεον ΤΙΜΟΘΕΟΣ Τιμόθεος Τιμοθεου Τιμοθέου Τιμοθεω Τιμοθέῳ Timothee Timóthee Timotheo Timotheō Timothéoi Timothéōi Timotheon Timótheon TIMOTHEOS Timótheos Timotheou TimothéouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 16:1 N-NMSGRK: ἐκεῖ ὀνόματι Τιμόθεος υἱὸς γυναικὸς NAS: named Timothy, the son KJV: named Timotheus, the son INT: there by name Timothy son of a woman Acts 17:14 N-NMS Acts 17:15 N-AMS Acts 18:5 N-NMS Acts 19:22 N-AMS Acts 20:4 N-NMS Romans 16:21 N-NMS 1 Corinthians 4:17 N-AMS 1 Corinthians 16:10 N-NMS 2 Corinthians 1:1 N-NMS 2 Corinthians 1:19 N-GMS Philippians 1:1 N-NMS Philippians 2:19 N-AMS Colossians 1:1 N-NMS 1 Thessalonians 1:1 N-NMS 1 Thessalonians 3:2 N-AMS 1 Thessalonians 3:6 N-GMS 2 Thessalonians 1:1 N-NMS 1 Timothy 1:2 N-DMS 1 Timothy 1:18 N-VMS 1 Timothy 6:20 N-VMS 2 Timothy 1:2 N-DMS Philemon 1:1 N-NMS Hebrews 13:23 N-AMS Strong's Greek 5095 |
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