Formerly Saul of Tarsus, a hated man who persecuted Christians until his encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus, who then had a complete change of heart. Then with his new name of Paul, dedicated the rest of his life to Jesus Christ and the preaching and teaching of the gospel. This led Paul to meet a young man named Timothy while travelling through Lystra. Paul found out that Timothy came from a Christian family. His grandmother and mother, both born into the Jewish faith, had accepted Christianity. Paul also found out that Timothy was highly spoken of. It was from this time onwards that a mentor relationship began between the two. Paul believed his life was nearing its end and wanted a person whom he could mentor and who would pass on the good news of the gospel to others.
1 Thessalonians 3:2 (CSB)
And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith.
Philippians 2:19-23 (CSB)
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.
Paul had great faith in Timothy’s ministry and gave him a challenging assignment at Ephesus. Paul had been developing the church at Ephesus, but had heard of certain men in the congregation who were spreading false doctrine. Paul gave Timothy the task of dealing with the men who were spreading false doctrine and heresy. Paul was an excellent mentor to Timothy and always offered encouragement to him. Paul regarded Timothy as a son or brother. As Paul once said:
1 Corinthians 4:17 (CSB)
This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.
Timothy received excellent training from Paul for his role as a minister, serving Jesus Christ. Much can be taken from the account of Paul and Timothy, and applied in modern times. A good mentor can give a mentee job satisfaction and commitment in their role. The mentor and mentee must be willing to help each other succeed and they must have respect for each other.
The exact date and manner of Paul’s death remain unknown but it is widely accepted that he was martyred, possibly by beheading. Timothy became the first Christian bishop of Ephesus. At the age of 80, it is said, he was beaten and stoned to death by angry pagans for trying to stop their procession for the goddess Diana, by preaching the gospel. Timothy’s death is not recorded in the Bible and it is not known for certain how he died. Timothy and Paul remained faithful to Jesus Christ until death.
Revelation 2:10 (CSB)
Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will experience affliction for ten days. Be faithful to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.
This was Jesus’ message, through John, to the church at Smyrna. What we learn from this scripture in Revelation is that Jesus is always with us if we stand firm in the faith and are not fearful.
1 John 4:4 (CSB)
You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
Onward Christian Soldiers 