Timothy

Timothy, a key figure in the New Testament, was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He joined Paul during later missionary journeys and was called "my true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2). Likely in his late teens or early twenties, Timothy had already shown faithfulness and was recognized by church elders. He served as Paul's representative to various churches and later became a pastor in Ephesus.

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Timothy had a "genuine faith" nurtured by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, who taught him the Scriptures from a young age (2 Timothy 1:1–5; 3:15). In his letters, Paul offered Timothy guidance, encouraging him to be an example to others despite his youth (1 Timothy 4:12) and to focus on reading Scripture, teaching, and maintaining his well-being (1 Timothy 5:23).

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In his second letter, Paul warned Timothy about false teachers and emphasized the importance of staying true to the teachings he received. He encouraged Timothy to present himself as an approved worker who handles the word of truth correctly (2 Timothy 2:15). 

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Paul's counsel to Timothy reflects the importance of faith, sound doctrine, and preparation to discern truth from error, serving as a valuable reminder for all believers.