Saint Timothy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintTimothy |
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Icon of Saint Timothy
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| Bishop, Martyr | |
| Born | c. AD 17 Lystra or Derbe (modern-day Ekinözü, Karaman, Turkey or Gökyurt, Meram, Konya, Turkey) |
| Died | c. AD 97 (aged 79/80) Ephesus (modern-day Selçuk, İzmir, Turkey) |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Orthodox Church Oriental Orthodoxy Anglican Communion Lutheran Church |
| Feast | January 22 (Eastern Christianity) January 26 (Roman Catholic Church, Lutheranism, Anglican Communion) January 24 (some local calendars and pre-1970 General Roman Calendar) 23 Tobi (Coptic Christianity) 27 Tobi (Relocation of Relics - Coptic Christianity) Thursday after fifth Sunday after feast of the Holy Cross (Armenian Apostolic Church) |
| Attributes | pastoral staff |
| Patronage | Invoked against stomach and intestinal disorders |
Timothy or Timothy of Ephesus was an early Christian leader. He was the first Christian bishop of Ephesus. Tradition says he died around the year AD 97. His name, Timótheos, means "honouring God" or "honoured by God" in Greek.
Timothy came from a city called Lystra or Derbe in Asia Minor. His mother was Jewish and a Christian believer. His father was Greek. The Apostle Paul met Timothy during his second missionary journey. Timothy then became Paul's travel partner and helper. The New Testament shows that Timothy traveled a lot with Paul, who was also his teacher.
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Timothy's Early Life
Timothy was born in Lystra or Derbe, in a region called Lycaonia. When Paul first visited Lystra, he healed a person who couldn't walk. This made many people in the city believe Paul's teachings.
A few years later, Paul returned with his friend Silas. By then, Timothy was already a respected member of the Christian community. His grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, were also believers. The Bible says that Timothy's mother and grandmother were known for their strong faith. Timothy knew the Scriptures very well from a young age.
In one of Paul's letters, it suggests that Timothy might have been a bit shy. Paul wrote, "When Timothy comes, make sure he feels comfortable among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord."
Timothy's Work with Paul
Timothy became a student of Saint Paul. He later became Paul's constant friend and helper in spreading the Christian message. In the year 52, Paul and Silas took Timothy with them on a trip to Macedonia.
Timothy was very eager and willing to leave his home and family to follow Paul. He shared in Paul's difficult times and struggles. Paul also mentioned that Timothy might have had some health problems. He advised Timothy to "use a little wine for your stomach's sake."
When Paul went to Athens, Timothy and Silas stayed in other cities for a while. They later joined Paul in Corinth. Paul sent Timothy back to a city called Thessalonica. He wanted Timothy to check on the faith of the Christian community there. Timothy reported back that they were doing well.
Timothy was with Paul in Corinth during the winter of 57–58. During this time, Paul wrote his Letter to the Romans. Timothy also traveled with Paul in Macedonia before the Passover in 58. He went ahead of Paul to wait for him in a city called Troas.
In the year 64, Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to lead the church there.
A Close Friendship
Timothy and Paul had a very close relationship. Timothy's name is listed as a co-author on several of Paul's letters. These include 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon.
Paul wrote about Timothy to the Philippians, saying, "I have no one like him." When Paul was in prison and knew he would soon die, he asked his loyal friend Timothy to come for a last goodbye. The Bible also suggests that Timothy was put in jail at least once.
Although the New Testament does not describe Timothy's death, other old writings do. One story, called the Acts of Timothy, says that in AD 97, Timothy was 80 years old. He was a bishop and tried to stop a parade honoring the goddess Diana. He did this by preaching about Jesus.
Honoring Saint Timothy
Timothy is honored as an apostle, saint, and martyr (someone who dies for their faith). The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates his feast day on January 22. The Roman Catholic Church honors Timothy along with Titus on January 26. This day is just after the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul.
Before 1969, Timothy's feast day was on January 24. Some other churches, like the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, also honor him in January. The Church of England and the Episcopal Church honor him on January 26.
In the 4th century, Timothy's relics (his remains) were moved from Ephesus to Constantinople. They were placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles. Later, in the 13th century, his relics were taken to Italy. They were buried around 1239 in the Termoli Cathedral. His remains were found again in 1945 during some repair work.
Who is Timothy the Patron Saint of?
People pray to Saint Timothy for help with stomach and intestinal problems.
Letters to Timothy
There are two letters in the New Testament that are addressed to Timothy. They are called the First and Second Epistles to Timothy. These letters, along with the Epistle to Titus, are known as the Pastoral Epistles. They are called this because they give advice to church leaders, like pastors.
Many modern scholars believe that these letters were not written directly by Paul himself. Instead, they think they were written by someone else who used Paul's name to share important teachings.
First Letter to Timothy
This letter talks about how the church should be organized. It also gives Timothy advice on how to be a good leader. Key topics include:
- How to use God's Law.
- Warnings against false teachings.
- Instructions for prayer.
- The roles of women in the church.
- What qualities church leaders should have.
- How to treat widows, elders, and other church members.
Second Letter to Timothy
In this letter, Paul encourages Timothy to be brave and not to be afraid to share his faith. He also asks Timothy to visit him before winter comes. Paul seems to know that he will soon die. He gives Timothy final advice to be strong against false teachings. He tells Timothy to remember the teachings of the past and to be patient during hard times. Paul urges Timothy to faithfully do all his duties as a church leader.
The Acts of Timothy
The Acts of Timothy is an old story about Timothy, probably written in the 5th century. It is not part of the official New Testament. This story tells how Paul made Timothy a bishop during the time of Emperor Nero. This happened when they visited Ephesus together. The story also describes how Timothy died as a martyr during a pagan festival when Nerva was emperor.
The Acts of Timothy also includes many details about John the Evangelist. John also lived in Ephesus.
Images for kids
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Rembrandt's Timothy and his grandmother, 1648
See also
In Spanish: Timoteo de Éfeso para niños
- Eunice (Timothy's mother)
- Clement of Rome
- Live from Golgotha (a funny novel about Timothy)
