Scripture Reading: Acts 16:1–5

Introduction

A. Young Timothy would quickly become an indispensable aid to Paul as he traveled and evangelized the Gentile world.

B. Considering Timothy’s background, it is particularly inspiring when we see the place he takes in the story of the early church.

Discussion

I. Timothy was always on the ready.

A. He was always ready to go (Acts 16:3; 19:21–22; 20:4; 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; Philippians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:9).

B. He was also ready to stay when he was needed (Acts 17:4–5; 1 Timothy 1:3–4).

C. He was ready to suffer (2 Timothy 3:10–12; Hebrews 13:23).

II. Although he was probably despised by many as a youth, he would find a place as a legitimate child of God.

A. As the son of a Greek (Acts 16:2), he was likely disdained by the Jewish community of Lystra.

B. Paul had Timothy circumcised so that the Jews would be willing to hear him (Acts 16:3; cf. Galatians 2:3–5).

C. In Paul’s eyes Timothy was his legitimate son (1 Timothy 1:1), and he knew none like him (Philippians 2:19–23).

D. Paul told Timothy never to let anyone despise him (1 Timothy 4:12–15; cf. Titus 2:15).

A. If you want to be part of a family that will always be there for you, you can be, but you need to be ready to serve as Timothy was.

B. If you want to be a genuine part of a genuine family, I am confident that you will never find one like this one.