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What Can We Learn From Timothy?
I
by Rev. Wayne Williams n the Bible, “Timothy” in the original language was
name. However, given the prophecy that other “young
“Timotheus,” which means, “honor of God; valued
men” would also “see visions,” there must be something
of God.” With that being said, I want to ask you, my
else that helps us to understand the significance of this
friend, “What is it about you that honors God?” Is it
young man’s name. Notably, Paul also addresses a letter to
the exercising of your spiritual gift? Your “great” faith?
another young preacher by the name of Titus, whose name
Maybe it is your Christian service or commitment to the
means “pleasing.” (This is interesting, but not quite the topic
Christian lifestyle? Exactly what is it about you and me
of this writing.)
that honors God “the most?”
Friend, I am compelled to think that the message behind Timothy’s name rests solely upon the shoulders of his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. Whether the name was bestowed upon young Timothy at or before his birth or if it was granted to him as he became older, it was these two women, and I believe under divine inspiration, who named him. Consequently, when the Apostle speaks of “the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Timothy 1:5), Paul was readily addressing the significance of the women behind the man (boy). Men, what is it about you and me that is significant enough for our mother(s),
When we closely examine the life of the Timothy that
grandmother(s), or wife(ives) to name us (or address us
the Apostle Paul speaks of and addresses in the two epistles
with a particular name)? Eunice, quite likely in consultation
that bear the young protégé’s name in the New Testament,
with Timothy’s grandmother, Lois, chose to name or call
we may be able to better comprehend how it is that this
this young boy “Timotheus” because she believed her
young upstart captured the Apostle’s interest and captivates
faithfulness to God and his faithfulness of the same would
our intrigue even to today.
make him a valuable asset to God. Small wonder the Apostle
True, Timothy was a “young” man, but I am not so sure
admonished the young man to “stir up the gift within him.”
that this was the one, sole thing that makes him notable and
Why? Because what Timothy had to offer to the world was
“valued of God.” The prophet Joel records that in the latter
so needful and, if imparted, would be equally impactful!
days, “God will pour out [His] Spirit on all kinds of people.
Men, the meaning of and behind your name is
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will
significant. Yet questions remain: namely, “What have you
dream dreams, and your young men will see visions” (Joel
done or what will you do to live up to your name?” Shalom!
fitness for duty” that explains the meaning behind this
42 // April 2020
About The Author
2:28). Given his youthfulness, perhaps it was his “physical
Rev. Wayne Williams, PhD, presently serves as supply pastor for the historic First United Presbyterian Church of Athens, Tennessee. He and his wife of 38 years, Lita, are heavily involved in numerous church and community activities.
