Character Study Of Timothy Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF TIMOTHY – PAUL’S DISCIPLE AND PASTOR IN EPHESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 16:1-3

"Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, so he circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek."

Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 1:2, 1 Timothy 4:12-16, 2 Timothy 1:5-7, 2 Timothy 3:14-17

INTRODUCTION

Timothy was one of Paul’s most faithful disciples and a key leader in the early church. He was from Lystra, the son of a Jewish mother and a Greek father. Raised in the faith by his mother and grandmother, he became a trusted companion of Paul and was later entrusted with pastoring the church in Ephesus. His life teaches us about discipleship, faithfulness in ministry, and the challenges of leadership in the church.

1. TIMOTHY’S EARLY LIFE AND CALL TO MINISTRY

a) He had a godly upbringing (2 Timothy 1:5)

Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, raised him in the Scriptures from childhood, laying a strong spiritual foundation for his life.

b) He was highly regarded by the believers (Acts 16:2)

The church in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy, indicating that he had a good reputation and was committed to the faith.

c) He was mentored by Paul (Acts 16:3)

Paul saw Timothy’s potential and took him under his guidance, shaping him into a strong leader for the church.

d) He made sacrifices for the sake of ministry (Acts 16:3)

Timothy was circumcised to avoid conflict with the Jews, showing his willingness to remove obstacles for the sake of the gospel.

e) Biblical Example: Samuel’s early training under Eli (1 Samuel 3:1-10)

Like Timothy, Samuel was trained from a young age for ministry and grew into a strong leader under mentorship.

2. TIMOTHY AS PAUL’S COMPANION IN MINISTRY

a) He travelled extensively with Paul (Acts 17:14-15, Acts 18:5)

Timothy accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys, helping to establish and strengthen churches.

b) He was a co-worker in the gospel (1 Thessalonians 3:2)

Paul described Timothy as "God’s fellow worker," showing his significant role in spreading the gospel.

c) He was entrusted with difficult assignments (1 Corinthians 4:17)

Paul sent Timothy to various churches to correct errors, encourage believers, and teach sound doctrine.

d) He remained faithful despite challenges (Philippians 2:19-22)

Paul commended Timothy for his genuine care for the churches and his faithfulness in serving Christ.

e) Biblical Example: Joshua serving under Moses (Exodus 24:13)

Like Timothy, Joshua was a faithful assistant before becoming a leader himself.

3. TIMOTHY AS A PASTOR IN EPHESUS

a) He was responsible for teaching sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

Paul instructed Timothy to correct false teachings and ensure that the church remained rooted in truth.

b) He was charged with setting an example (1 Timothy 4:12)

Despite his youth, Timothy was to be a model in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

c) He was to uphold the qualifications of church leaders (1 Timothy 3:1-13)

Paul gave Timothy clear guidelines for appointing church elders and deacons, ensuring that leadership remained strong.

d) He had to endure hardships in ministry (2 Timothy 2:3-4)

Paul reminded Timothy to endure challenges like a soldier of Christ, staying committed despite opposition.

e) Biblical Example: Nehemiah leading with integrity (Nehemiah 2:17-20)

Like Timothy, Nehemiah faced opposition but remained steadfast in his leadership.

4. TIMOTHY’S CHARACTER AND QUALITIES

a) He was devoted to the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Paul encouraged Timothy to continue in the Scriptures, which he had known from childhood.

b) He was bold despite his timid nature (2 Timothy 1:7)

Though Timothy may have struggled with fear, Paul reminded him that God had given him a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

c) He was trustworthy and reliable (2 Timothy 2:2)

Paul entrusted Timothy with teaching others, knowing that he would faithfully pass on the truth.

d) He remained loyal to Paul even in difficult times (2 Timothy 4:9, 21)

Unlike others who abandoned Paul, Timothy remained faithful to the end.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s faithfulness in Babylon (Daniel 6:1-5)

Like Timothy, Daniel remained faithful despite being in a challenging leadership position.

STRENGTHS OF TIMOTHY

a) He had a strong spiritual foundation (2 Timothy 1:5)

Timothy’s early training in the Word helped him stand firm in faith.

b) He was a faithful disciple (1 Corinthians 4:17)

Paul trusted him to carry out important tasks in the ministry.

c) He was dedicated to sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13-16)

He ensured that the church was rooted in truth.

d) He was willing to make sacrifices for the gospel (Acts 16:3)