Topical Encyclopedia
The ordination of Timothy is a significant event in the New Testament, highlighting the early church's practice of setting apart individuals for ministry through the laying on of hands. Timothy, a young disciple and companion of the Apostle Paul, is a prominent figure in the early Christian community, known for his sincere faith and dedication to the Gospel.
Background and Early LifeTimothy was the son of a Jewish mother, Eunice, and a Greek father (
Acts 16:1). His mother and grandmother, Lois, were devout believers who instilled in him a strong foundation in the Scriptures from a young age (
2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Timothy's mixed heritage positioned him uniquely to minister to both Jewish and Gentile audiences.
Paul's Selection and MentorshipThe Apostle Paul first encountered Timothy in Lystra during his second missionary journey. Impressed by Timothy's reputation among the believers, Paul chose him as a companion and co-worker in the ministry (
Acts 16:2-3). To avoid unnecessary obstacles in their mission to the Jews, Paul circumcised Timothy, demonstrating a strategic approach to ministry that respected cultural sensitivities.
The Laying on of HandsTimothy's ordination is referenced in Paul's epistles, where the apostle reminds Timothy of the spiritual gift imparted to him through the laying on of hands by the elders. In
1 Timothy 4:14, Paul exhorts, "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders." This act of laying on of hands signifies the church's recognition of Timothy's calling and the conferral of authority and blessing for his ministry.
Paul further emphasizes this in
2 Timothy 1:6, urging Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." This personal touch from Paul underscores the close mentor-mentee relationship between the two and highlights the apostolic endorsement of Timothy's ministry.
Role and ResponsibilitiesTimothy's ordination equipped him for various roles within the early church. He served as Paul's emissary, delivering letters and providing leadership in congregations such as those in Corinth, Philippi, and Ephesus (
1 Corinthians 4:17;
Philippians 2:19-23;
1 Timothy 1:3). Paul entrusted Timothy with significant responsibilities, including teaching sound doctrine, appointing elders, and correcting false teachings (
1 Timothy 4:11-16; 5:17-22).
Character and ConductPaul's letters to Timothy provide insight into the character and conduct expected of a Christian minister. Timothy is encouraged to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (
1 Timothy 4:12). Paul also advises him to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness (
1 Timothy 6:11).
ConclusionThe ordination of Timothy serves as a model for the church's practice of recognizing and empowering individuals for ministry. Through the laying on of hands, the early church affirmed Timothy's calling and equipped him for the work of the Gospel. His life and ministry, as recorded in the New Testament, continue to inspire and instruct believers in faithful service to Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Timothy 4:14Neglect not the gift that is in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... not to be ministered unto, but to minister; it was ... in the apostolic age in which
ordination was conferred ... 245:3] the first elders of the Christian Churches of ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm
Laboring under Difficulties
... the force of his pathetic appeals as a Christian minister. ... have never been laid in
ordination, are called to ... the injunction of Paul to Timothy, "Meditate upon ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 33 laboring under difficulties.htm
The First Epistle to Timothy
... thanks the Lord that he was made a minister of it ... We do not know when this formal
ordination took place ... of the law, a mistaken application of Christian ideas and ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the first epistle to timothy.htm
The Daily Walk with Others (ii. ).
... all, as you are a man, a Christian, a Minister of ... where the single man seems to make
the better Minister. ... I became acquainted about the time of his ordination. ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter v the daily walk.htm
The Secret Walk with God (ii).
... ago, in the course of an ordination examination, I ... complex evil, this enervation
of the Christian spirit, this ... and of course upon her every Minister, there is ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter ii the secret walk.htm
Christian Benevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople. He ...
... Chapter XXV."Christian Benevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople. ... be proved,
who yet do not minister to the ... at Nic??a on account of the ordination of a ...
/.../chapter xxv christian benevolence of atticus.htm
The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... Immediately after their ordination Paul and Barnabas entered on ... 76:2] the return
of this young minister from Perga ... by the feet of a Christian missionary, they ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm
Ordination and Duties of the Clergy.
... Simon the Canaanite Concerning the Number Necessary for the Ordination of a Bishop. ...
but only is to keep the doors, and to minister to the ... [3697] 1 Timothy 5:8. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii ordination and duties of.htm
Appendix. An Ordination Charge.
... that pastoral exhortation to a young minister in 1 Timothy 4:16 ... A minister is no
minister who does not see wonder in the ... [67] Delivered at the Ordination of the ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/appendix an ordination charge.htm
Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays.
... The Form of Prayer for the Ordination of a Bishop. ... may discharge the duty of a high
priest to Thee, and minister to Thee ... Let us pray for every Christian soul. ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii election and ordination of.htm
Resources
Who was C. I. Scofield? | GotQuestions.orgDoes 2 Chronicles 5:14 teach slaying in the Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgIs the distinction between clergy and laity biblical? | GotQuestions.orgMinister: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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