Paul[a] came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers[b] at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. – Acts 16
Our passage today is seemingly a factual one. Paul goes to a certain location. Adds some believers and goes on his way. If you know your bible well, you know that timothy in this story is the same Timothy that Paul wrote his two epistles on pastoral leadership to. This was Paul’s introduction to Timothy.
One of the saddest facts of our modern world is that mentor relationships are not that common. Paul took Timothy on as an apprentice of sorts. He trained him. He taught him how to disciple others. Eventually timothy was able to move forward with his own ministry. I, myself, have been a “timothy” to others. These people taught me nearly everything I know about ministry and serving others. Without them, I would be lost. Outside of my pastor friends, I know very few men and women who have had Christian mentors invest in their life.
I think it would help if we had more information about the budding of Paul and Timothy’s relationship. I truly believe that this relationship at first was very, very normal. No angel appeared to Paul telling him to take Timothy under his wing. The clouds did not open with a loud voice. Paul knew Timothy’s mother was a believer and that his father was Greek. Timothy had a good reputation. This was enough for Paul to initiate this type of relationship.
Today, young people can turn to the internet to learn new skills. There are perks to this, but there is also a sadness that comes knowing a generation of people grow up turning to their phones before they turn to others. But it’s not too late! We can still invest in others. Paul took the initiative to develop this relationship with Timothy and so can you!