Timothy had an unconventional upbringing. The son of a Greek father, he was raised in the Christian faith by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. Though we don’t know the exact timeline, it is likely that this Lystran family came to faith as a result of Paul’s preaching in their hometown during his first missionary journey (see Acts 13:8-19). From the cradle, Timothy was taught the fundamental truths of the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother.

Lystra was a Roman province located along a major trade route in modern-day Turkey. In a market town like this, Timothy was exposed to a vast array of sights, sounds, smells, languages, and religious ideas, along with pressure to conform to the Greek culture around him.

With a mixed lineage, he was neither fully Jewish (he was uncircumcised) nor fully Greek (he had a Jewish mother), so it is reasonable to assume that he felt out of place. We also know that he was timid and prone to bad health. Factor all this together, and you have someone in desperate need of discipling.

Enter the Apostle Paul. Paul became a spiritual father figure for Timothy, mentoring him in the faith and taking him along on his missionary journeys. Paul was a continual source of encouragement for his young protégé, providing sound instruction and guidance as he sought to establish the early churches throughout the Mediterranean world.

Eventually, Paul passed the torch to Timothy, and he became a faithful pastor in his own right. The mentorship of Paul, Lois, and Eunice was indispensable in Timothy’s spiritual upbringing, with God using these relationships in powerful ways to spread the gospel and grow his Church.

Reflection Questions

1. Which part of Timothy’s life experience do you identify with the most? Why?

2. Who in your life has functioned as Eunice, Lois, or Paul did for Timothy? How has that relationship affected your life?

3. Pray for God to show you who you might disciple or who might disciple you.