Topical Bible: Women: Lois and Eunice

◄ Women: Lois and Eunice ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Lois and Eunice are notable figures in the New Testament, recognized for their sincere faith and pivotal role in the spiritual upbringing of Timothy, a prominent early Christian leader and companion of the Apostle Paul. Their mention, though brief, highlights the significant impact of maternal and familial influence in the transmission of faith across generations.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to Lois and Eunice is found in the Apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 1:5 , Paul writes, "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." This verse underscores the genuine and enduring faith that characterized both women and was evidently passed down to Timothy.

Lois:

Lois is identified as Timothy's grandmother. Although the Bible provides limited information about her, her mention by Paul suggests that she was a woman of notable faith. The fact that Paul acknowledges her influence indicates that Lois played a crucial role in nurturing the spiritual environment in which Timothy was raised. Her faith is described as "sincere," implying a deep, authentic commitment to God that was evident to those around her.

Eunice:

Eunice, Timothy's mother, is similarly commended for her faith. Acts 16:1 provides additional context, stating, "Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewish believer but whose father was a Greek." Eunice's marriage to a Greek man suggests that she navigated a cross-cultural household, yet she maintained her Jewish faith and passed it on to her son. Her ability to instill a strong spiritual foundation in Timothy, despite potential challenges, speaks to her dedication and influence as a mother.

Role in Timothy's Life:

The faith of Lois and Eunice had a profound impact on Timothy, who became a key figure in the early Church. Their example and teaching prepared him for his ministry alongside Paul. In 2 Timothy 3:14-15 , Paul reminds Timothy, "But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you learned them. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights the early and consistent exposure to Scripture that Timothy received, likely due to the influence of his mother and grandmother.

Legacy:

Lois and Eunice exemplify the vital role of women in the spiritual formation of future generations. Their faithfulness and commitment to teaching the Scriptures laid a foundation for Timothy's ministry and service to the early Church. Through their example, they demonstrate the power of a godly heritage and the importance of nurturing faith within the family.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Timothy 1:5
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in you, which dwelled first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in you also.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Timothy and his Mother Eunice.
... both good women, who loved God, and diligently studied the Holy Scriptures. The
mother's name was Eunice. She was a Jewess. The grandmother's name was Lois. ...
/.../mother stories from the new testament/timothy and his mother eunice.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... as it were, ranging itself by her"whence the fifth designation, "taph" (Esther
3:13, "The taph' and the women in one day ... Perhaps Lois and Eunice were the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... should compare what he reads of a Dorcas, of the mother of Mark, of Lydia, Priscilla,
Phoebe, Lois, or Eunice, with what he knows of the noble women of Greece ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... in the Law, instructs her in folly." In the synagogues women were obliged to ... Timothy
owed his early training to his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... However, instances of Rabbinically learned women do occur. ... in the law, there must
have been among them not a few who, like Lois and Eunice, could train a ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

A Sketch of the Life of S. Gregory of Nyssa.
... he was blest with the religious instruction of another Lois and Eunice. ... had established,
in the immediate neighbourhood, a similar association for women. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter i a sketch of the.htm

The First Epistle to Timothy
... first of all directions for public intercession and for the behavior of men and
women in the ... Both his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois are spoken of ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the first epistle to timothy.htm

The Christian Home
... is in Timothy, which dwelt first in his grandmother Lois and then in his mother
Eunice. ... The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study x the christian home.htm

The Child-Life in Nazareth
... the holy women who are named in the Gospels, we would refer to the mothers of Zebedee's
children and of Mark, to Dorcas, Lydia, Lois, Eunice, Priscilla, St. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the child-life in.htm

His Missionary Travels
... 99. Women and the Gospel ... a little group of faithful hearts gathered round the mangled
body of the apostle outside the city gates; Eunice and Lois were there ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter vi his missionary travels.htm