Monday March 8

You do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel … I urge you, imitate me. For this reason I have sent Timothy to you … my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 NKJV

And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no one despise him. 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 NKJV

Timothy (3)—Mentored by Paul

Some years have passed since the apostle Paul had sent Timothy to establish and encourage the fledgling Thessalonian assembly when these saints were undergoing much affliction. More assemblies had begun by God’s grace including one at Corinth, a seaport in Achaia (Greece) renowned for its immorality. Paul had labored there for a year and six months, making tents to support himself, for the Lord had told him He had many people there.

During the three years he spent at Ephesus on his next journey, he received a letter with questions about marriage and eating meat sacrificed to idols. He heard distressing news of moral and doctrinal problems in the assembly there. As a loving, concerned father in Christ he wrote them the corrective letter we call 1 Corinthians to answer their questions and try to help them.

Paul mentions in the letter that he was sending Timothy to them. He commends Timothy highly as his beloved and faithful son in the Lord who knew his manner of life and heart of love. Paul had mentored Timothy. How beautiful it is when a godly older brother mentors a younger one and then entrusts him with responsibility, openly expressing his confidence in him! Timothy was young and of a gentle character. It would not be easy for him to face this gifted but fleshly assembly with their major problems. But Paul sent him, firmly commending him, and God used him for blessing.

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.