(TIMOTHY — Paul’s son in the faith.)
NOTHING more touching can perhaps be found in the epistolary part of the New Testament than the communications of the aged apostle Paul to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith; and we desire to suggest a few thoughts concerning the more personal of these exhortations, interspersed as they are amongst the important and abiding principles of truth which the two epistles to Timothy contain.
No stronger proof of Paul’s confidence could have been given than that Timothy should be left at Ephesus, especially that he might watch over the doctrines taught, and not merely order, or conduct, like Titus; besides this we find proofs of deepest attachment between the two men.
Associated with the apostle in the salutations in several of the epistles (such as 2 Corinthians and Colossians) it, may specially be noticed that, in saluting the Philippians, Paul couples Timothy with himself as “servants of Jesus Christ”; and (chap. 2) speaks of his urgent desire to send him to them, in the striking words — “having no man like-minded, who will naturally (genuinely) care for your state.” Thus, he who had served with the apostle, as a son with a father, is commended for his faithfulness; and it is interesting to notice how the Holy Spirit dwells on the word “faithful” in both the epistles. Eight times we find it in our English Bibles, and several times more the same word in the original is translated by other words.
To the Corinthians (1 Cor. 4:1717For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. (1 Corinthians 4:17)) Paul speaks of having sent Timotheus to them, “who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord; who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ.” Amidst the declension so deeply felt and mourned over in the second epistle, this faithful fellow-servant was a solace and joy to the aged apostle beyond all others; and doubtless he entered into the truth revealed through Paul as none other in that day did.
The charge mentioned so solemnly (1 Tim. 5:1818For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. (1 Timothy 5:18)), relating no doubt to the third and fifth verses, indicates that the sacred commission was not taken up by Timothy of his own accord only, nor even by Paul’s direction; but that he had been pointed out by prophecies beforehand, which were doubtless a means of strength to him when in the conflict.
Note again, that (chap. 3:14) “hoping to come unto thee shortly,” gives occasion to the instruction as to “how thou oughtest to conduct thyself in the house of God,” &c., and (chap. 4) “the gift that is in thee,” is not to be neglected, but having been conferred so markedly, by laying on of hands and prophecy, must be nurtured.
Then (chap. 5:21) there is a solemn charge from the apostle as to impartiality in the execution of his commission, which is combined with a thoughtful consideration for his physical weakness; and the injunction to take a little wine for his stomach’s sake, is a proof in itself of the temperate habits of this faithful servant, and how carefully he refrained from the least indulgence that would merely contribute to his personal comfort and pleasure.
From chapter 6:12 we learn that he had confessed a good confession before many witnesses; and how emphatic is the charge to “keep the commandment without spot, unrebukable”; this first epistle closing with an exhortation of even more marked character: “O Timothy, keep that deposit which is committed to thy trust” (chap. 6:20, R.V.). This word deposit, translated in our version “good thing,” is only found in three places — here, and in 2 Timothy 1:12, 1412For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)
14That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. (2 Timothy 1:14). Surely the Holy Spirit does not use a special word thus, without some particular and sufficient reason; and we do not doubt that “the deposit” in these verses has a special signification.
In contrast to the charge — the gift — the commandment — the faith — used in other parts of these two letters so variously, may it not be that the good thing here spoken of is the truth as a whole; and the truth of the mystery — Christ and the Church — more particularly.
No man of that day entered into this special revelation to Paul as did his beloved Timothy. To most others, as to Peter, it was among the “things hard to be understood;” but with this likeminded servant and confidant, the sound and sanctifying truths concerning the assembly were shared. As another has said, “How dear to the apostle’s heart is the communion and faithfulness of these precious souls!” When others had turned away and forsaken him, doubly valuable is the devotion of his genuine son, of whose tears he is not unmindful, and whose faith was unfeigned. The aged servant about to resign his charge so faithfully kept, looks around for a likeminded servant, and finds him in Timothy — a young man evidently of a retiring disposition, inclined to shrink from the difficulties and trials that the ardent nature of Paul had met only to surmount. The aged father in Christ seeks by every godly means to encourage the timid and tearful (2 Tim. 1:44Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; (2 Timothy 1:4)) young servant. How grateful to the aged warrior, who had fought his good fight, to have this one, amongst so many who had turned away, to carry on, if less boldly, the defense of the truth.
He does not doubt that faithful men can be found, but in what soul-stirring, inspiring words, does he call upon his son, “O Timothy, keep the entrusted deposit” (R.V. margin and New Trans.), avoiding “profane and vain babblings;” and again, “Keep, by the Holy Ghost which dwells in us, that good deposit entrusted” (2 Tim. 1:1414That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. (2 Timothy 1:14)).
How important for us today to ponder these searching words, and to seek grace to know the truth from such a Divine standpoint. In this day, when the need of man is the “be all and end all” of current Christianity, may we learn something of the true character of the good thing — the deposit — the treasure of Divine truth and riches respecting Christ and the Church, which the beloved apostle and his faithful son enjoyed in their true character and power.
T. R.