Intersections: Slowing Down for Meaningful Connection & Deeper CommunitySample

Paul Meets Timothy (An Apprentice)

CONSIDER

When you were little, maybe you enjoyed dressing up like a superhero or a princess or doing things like dancing around in your mom’s shoes. Kids often emulate their heroes or role models.

Prior to his encounter with Jesus, it’s likely Paul had some role models. Many biblical scholars believe that as a young boy, it’s likely Paul was enamored by a man named Phinehas of the Old Testament. Grieved by the unrighteous living of God’s people, Phinehas killed a man. (Num 25:7-13) Phinehas’ understanding of righteousness was to slay those who weren’t living wholeheartedly for God.

Similarly, in the name of righteousness, Paul was led to persecute Christians. Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road pointed him in a new direction. The only one who needed to die was Jesus. Paul would now live for him, which meant he’d need to get some new role models. We’ve talked about some of them in the past 3 sections of this study – Jesus, Ananias, and the apostles.

At the final stop in this study, we’re examining Paul’s relationship with a young man named Timothy, whom Paul met while traveling through the city of Lystra. It’s not far-fetched to think that Paul must have quickly become someone Timothy looked up to.

SCRIPTURE

In today’s passages, Acts 16:1-5 & 2 Tim 1:1-5, we learn 5 things about Timothy & Paul’s relationship:

1. Timothy had a good reputation. The believers at Lystra spoke well of him. (Acts 16:2)

2. Timothy trusted Paul. Timothy was willing to leave his hometown and be circumcised! (Acts 16:3)

3. They had a father/son-like relationship. Paul referred to Timothy as “beloved” child (2 Tim 1:2), which is what God calls us. (1 John 3:1) God’s love was working in Paul who extended it to Timothy.

4. Paul prayed for Timothy. Paul remembers Timothy “constantly in prayer.” (2 Tim 1:3)

5. Timothy brought Paul great joy. They shared tears and experienced great joy together. (2 Tim 1:4)

CONNECT with GOD

Who is something in your life that God wants you to “bring along with you?” Take a moment and ask Him about that now. Write down their name and begin to pray for them.

DIG DEEPER

Read Phil 2:19-24. What else can you learn from Paul and Timothy's relationship that could benefit your relationships today?

TAKEAWAY

We want to walk away from time in God’s Word changed. What are you taking away from this study that you need to remember in the days ahead? What is a brave step of obedience God is asking you to take?

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