Who Was Timothy?

Preparing for the Fifth Sunday in Lent: Three Days before Sunday (Year C)

Scripture

Psalm 126; Isaiah 43:1-7; Philippians 2:19-24

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Prayer

Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)

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Reflection

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I, too, may be consoled by news of you. I have no one so like myself who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But Timothy’s worth you know, how like a son with a father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see how things go with me, and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon (Philippians 2:19-24).

Timothy was a important figure in the ministry of the Apostle Paul, known as a close companion and mentee. He was the son of a Jewish mother, Eunice, and a Greek father (Acts 16:1). His mother and grandmother, Lois, were devout believers who played a transformative role in his faith development (2 Timothy 1:5).