Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…
Summary: As we begin our meditations on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we are prompted to reflect on God’s Word as his family album.
I often think of the Bible as God’s family album. Even without pictures, the Bible includes “portraits” of people who are important to God and who are part of his story.
Of course, we are all important to God! He loves us without a doubt! Yet, some people play a more prominent role than others (1 Corinthians 12:18-20).
As we open the first pages of the Bible, we are introduced to Adam and Eve. We meet their children and their children’s children. It is as if God is pulling out the grandkid photos and showing us his family.
In the New Testament, God continues his story, but something is different. Instead of focusing on bloodlines and genealogies, God’s family album begins to show us his children in a new light.
In the Gospel accounts, we find John the Baptist, and we meet Jesus’ disciples and watch them become Apostles. We also get to know the women who give their hearts and lives to the Lord.
Then, Jesus dies. We watch his disciples and followers mourn as they wonder what comes next. We see their wonder and amazement as they discover Jesus is alive after all. We join them in the excitement of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit is poured out on the believers.
Then we meet Paul.
At first, we wonder if the new church is going to survive Paul’s onslaught. He thrashes around, angry at these upstart believers in Jesus. Then we see the moment when God changes Paul’s life forever. In that moment, Paul becomes a new man.
With the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God’s family album begins to include more and more people. One of those people is Timothy.
Paul calls Timothy “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2), and it is clear that they have a deep affection for each other. The fact that Paul opens his letter to the Philippians by including Timothy in the greeting testifies to their work together. Adding Timothy’s name to his letter suggests that Paul and Timothy speak with one voice.
Application: As we apprentice under Paul’s tutelage, we, too, can learn to speak with Paul’s voice.
Food for Thought: How would removing Timothy’s name from Paul’s letter change things?
How would removing Timothy’s name from Paul’s letter change things?
“ Adding Timothy’s name to his letter suggests that Paul and Timothy speak with one voice. “ Paul is declaring their unity as they declare one message, speak with one voice by the power of the Spirit of their one God.
To have deleted Timothy’s name could and to many would have reduced his stature to them.
Thank you, Ron.
Yes, it would have. Interestingly, it might have impacted Paul’s as well.
Good point R2T2.
I also like how Paul acknowledges people who have helped him and come alongside him for the advancement of the gospel. There are people the Lord has provided for us to do the work of ministry, to have fellowship, to have mutual encouragement. It was great to see that modeled to the church in Philippi (and to us), as it reminds us that God’s plan is not for us to go it alone.
Amen, Rich!
God is faithful that way. I certainly appreciate your fellowship and encouragement!! 🙂
Good comments thus far. I think Paul included Timothy because Timothy had accompanied Paul on his journey’s to Philippi, they knew him, and it showed a genuine humility on Paul’s part. Paul himself recognized that he himself was a servant of Christ, and in his service, he worked alongside his brothers in Christ. Timothy wasn’t a “side-kick” but served the gospel of Christ with wholehearted dedication. Paul’s inclusion of Timothy reinforced Timothy’s dedication to the Lord to the Philippian church.
Thanks, Chris!
Great point! Paul testifies about Timothy this way.