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“But His Father Was A Greek”
But His Father Was A Greek
David Sproule
Timothy was “the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.” It is believed, based upon Acts 16:1-3 and 2 Timothy 1:5 and 3:14-15, that Timothy’s father did not become a Christian and may likely have even been dead by the time Paul came to Lystra. Please consider these verses with me:
“Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek” (Acts 16:1-3).
“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Tim. 1:5).
“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:14-15).
Why are we told about Timothy’s father? Perhaps this detail is included to impress the
reader with Timothy’s faithfulness in spite of his father’s unbelief. Perhaps it is mentioned to reassure other young people who may have a parent who is not a Christian. Perhaps it is included to encourage Christians not to be dissuaded by a parent’s rejection of the gospel but to remain true to what they “have learned and been assured of” in “the Holy Scriptures” (2 Tim. 3:14-15). Perhaps it is here as God’s plea to place your faith in Jesus and not in a parent’s past choices.
Timothy’s faith is praised (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15), and he is set forth as an example of faith for us (1 Tim. 4:12). Paul wrote, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). In whom have you placed your faith? In a family member? Or in Jesus?
