I think Timothy is a most encouraging example for young believers today. He was young, not strong in body, and probably knew what it was to be despised. He seems to have been timid by nature, and at times in much need of encouragement. He knew what tears meant. He knew the temptation to be a coward (2 Tim. 1). But I know of no fellow-servant whom Paul so delights to honor. Listen to what he says of him: “Timothy, my beloved child” (2 Tim. 1:2); “Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord” (1 Cor. 4:17); “Timothy … is doing the work of the Lord, as I am” (1 Cor. 16:10).

Timothy was with Paul in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Corinth, Troas, Miletus, and other places. In his last imprisonment, just before his death, Paul specially longed for Timothy. We do not know if Timothy reached him in time or not. This young brother was associated with Paul in writing six epistles, and his name is included in the salutation of a seventh. We also have two letters to him written by the apostle. We know he had been in prison for Christ’s sake, and had been released (Heb. 13:23).

Paul had a number of companions and helpers, but this young man, weak in body but strong in spirit, seems to have been the dearest to him, and the most trusted. Paul chose this young man to go to the assembly in Philippi, when he himself was unable to go. We never read, as far as I know, of any very great gift that Timothy had, though he did unquestionably have special gifts (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6); but, as another has said, “It is not great talents, nor great scholarship, nor great preachers that God needs, but men and women great in holiness, great in faith, great in love, great in fidelity, great for God.” May you take courage by Timothy’s example to seek to be men and women like this!