If I were Timothy #3: if Paul can be changed, anyone can

Who Was Timothy?

Timothy is a Greek name which means ‘honouring God’ or ‘honoured by God’.

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.  Acts 16:1

After Paul had visited Lystra, Timothy became his companion and co-worker along with Silas. Timothy then travelled around with Paul, who became his mentor. Paul trusted him to carry out important work.

But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. Philippians 2:22

If I were Timothy, I would be blown away to receive this letter from Paul. After all, I’d been at his side as he’d written the letters to Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians and Thessalonians. But these letters were addressed to groups of believers and not an individual like myself. I’d be even more amazed to discover that two letters addressed to me would end up in this collection of books people would come to know as the Bible!

Yes, Paul and I were close. He was like a father to me. But I didn’t do anything anyone else wouldn’t do. I served God in the best way I could. That’s it. It wasn’t easy at times, but I looked to Paul for guidance and support – and what a man Paul is!

Passage From The Letter

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17

If I were Timothy, this is how I would reply to this section of the the letter…

I always find it weird when you talk about what you were like before you came to recognise the truth about Jesus, Paul. I didn’t know you back in the day. I’ve always known you like this. It’s impossible for me to imagine that you were once an enemy of people like us – that you hated and persecuted the followers of the Way…what a turnaround! it just goes to show that with God, nothing is impossible.

Jesus changed your life in a miraculous way, that’s for sure. You must feel so bad for who you were back then and the grace and mercy and love of God must have a special meaning for you. You know deep in your heart that Jesus came to save anyone and everyone, because you were precisely the kind of individual that people would imagine would be beyond saving! You are an incredible example of what God can do in a life.

Just thinking about how God changed you is such an encouragement and does indeed remind me of how incredible God is. What a God we serve! And we get to do this forever!