Topical Bible: Timothy: Parentage of

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Timothy, a prominent figure in the New Testament, is best known as a close companion and protégé of the Apostle Paul. His parentage is briefly mentioned in the Scriptures, providing insight into his background and the early influences on his faith.

Timothy's mother was a Jewish woman named Eunice, who is noted for her sincere faith. In 2 Timothy 1:5 , Paul writes to Timothy, saying, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." This passage highlights the spiritual heritage passed down from his grandmother Lois to his mother Eunice, and subsequently to Timothy himself. Eunice's faith played a crucial role in Timothy's upbringing, as she, along with Lois, taught him the Holy Scriptures from a young age (2 Timothy 3:15).

Timothy's father, on the other hand, was a Greek. This detail is mentioned in Acts 16:1 : "Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek." The text does not provide further information about his father's faith or influence, but the distinction between his mother's Jewish faith and his father's Greek heritage suggests a mixed cultural and religious background.

The combination of a Jewish mother and a Greek father placed Timothy in a unique position within the early Christian community. His mixed heritage may have contributed to his ability to bridge cultural divides, making him an effective minister alongside Paul. Despite the potential challenges of such a background, Timothy's faith and dedication to the Gospel were evident, as he was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium (Acts 16:2).

Paul's decision to have Timothy circumcised, as recorded in Acts 16:3 , further underscores the significance of his Jewish heritage. "Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who lived in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek." This act was not for Timothy's salvation but rather to avoid unnecessary barriers in ministering to Jewish communities.

In summary, Timothy's parentage reflects a blend of Jewish and Greek influences, with his mother's faith playing a pivotal role in his spiritual development. His background equipped him to serve effectively in the diverse cultural landscape of the early Church, under the mentorship of the Apostle Paul.

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Acts 16:1
Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The First Successors of the Apostles.
... 6. Timothy, so it is recorded, was the first to receive the episcopate of the ... 7.
But Luke, [609] who was of Antiochian parentage and a physician by profession ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv the first successors of.htm

Acts XVI
... But the mixed parentage of Timothy made his case a peculiar one. The marriage
of his mother to a Greek was contrary to the law of Moses. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvi.htm

Acts XVII
... Athens; and having received a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they ... providence,
general and special; the omnipresence, and the universal parentage of this ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvii.htm

Introductory Note to Gregory Thaumaturgus.
... [11] He was born of heathen parentage, and lived like ... Origen had seen in him the
makings of a kerux, and coveted such another Timothy for the Master's work. ...
/.../a declaration of faith/introductory note to gregory thaumaturgus.htm

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
... For his parentage: he sprang from the royal line, not only that line from which ... into
many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in perdition' (1 Timothy 6:9 ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/2 there is a blessedness.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... Timothy Richard Matthews, born at Colmworth, Eng., Nov.20, 1826, is a clergyman
of the ... Hiller, born 1811 at Frankfort-on-the-Main, of Hebrew parentage, was one ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.htm

Quotations from the Lxx. In the New Testament.
... Six of them, according to the traditional belief, were Palestinian Jews; a seventh,
though 'a Hebrew of Hebrew parentage,' belonged by ... xvi.5 2 Timothy 2:19 Deut ...
/.../chapter ii quotations from the.htm

Concerning Lowliness of Mind.
... he may know your circumstances, and encourage your hearts:" [433] and about Timothy;
"I have ... But since the doctrine was sound and of genuine parentage, on this ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/concerning lowliness of mind.htm

Number one Thousand; Or, "Bread Enough and to Spare"
... pleasures, and commencing a course of conduct more consistent with his birth and
parentage. ... bread enough and to spare;" even as Paul wrote to Timothy, "He is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/number one thousand or bread.htm

Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.
... our own day, for since Paulina fell asleep the Church has posthumously borne the
monk Pammachius, a patrician by his parentage and marriage ... [1956] 1 Timothy 5:18 ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm