Timothy: the spiritual heir of Paul of Tarsus

Pedro Arthur

When we think about the history of Christianism, our memory brings back figures who played an essential role in disseminating the Good News. Among these, Paul of Tarsus must be highlighted, converted in Damascus and with an undeniable influence.

The illustrious weaver does not stand out by chance. Strong and brave, Paul was able to listen to the master’s sermon, repent, deny himself, take your own burden and be faithful to the end. As we examine his path, divine providence is always cooperating, through creation, in order to fulfill his duties.

“Without Stephen, we would have no Paul of Tarsus”. Both paths, brought together by divine wisdom, forged the benevolent personality of the apostle at the peak of his christian trajectory. While keeping the lessons of Christianity’s great martyr in his heart, Paul would soon use the same resource at the end of his path, passing on the same inspiration by encouraging a young man to carry on his missionary work.

While in Lystra, on one of his journeys, the great weaver was tenderly welcomed by Lois, the widow of a wealthy greek man, your daughter Eunice, also widowed, and her son Timothy, the family great treasure, in a home fulfilled by love. Announcing the Good News in a fertile ground, the apostle found caring hearts and sparkling gazes for hope. On the other hand, Timothy revealed an uncommon fervor even in his youth. During the three days that Paul stayed there, the young man did not waste the opportunity to take in all the teachings of the ascending dogma, deeply engaging in reflections with the apostle, who welcomed him with great tenderness.

The bounds uniting these spirits were, at that moment, reestablished. Later on, Timothy joined the missionary caravan, becoming one of the youngest heralds of the Good News. As a faithful collaborator to Paul, actively helped in spreading the Gospel, witnessing both the joys that brought light to the apostle, and the silent hardship that surrounded the laborious commitment to the service of Christ.

Timothy is one of most distinguished among Paul’s cohort, being widely mentioned in the New Testament. The young follower is mentioned in the Act of the Apostles and in nine out of the fourteen letters attributed to the apostle, being the addressee of two of them. On Paul’s behalf, Timothy was sent to important missions in Thessalonica (I Tim 3:2), Philippi (Phil 2:19) and Corinth (I Cor 4:17). Moreover, he also co-authored five letters (II Corinthians, Philippians, I Thessalonians, II Thessalonians and Colossians) and appears in the greeting of the epistle to the Romans (Rom 16:21).

Is important to highlight in this simple reflection their relationship dynamics. Already in the last days of your earthly life, Paul writes to him with fondness: “To Timothy, a beloved son”. This tenderness permeates throughout the second letter, showing the deep father-son affectionate relationship developed between them. The former Sanhedrin councilor kept in his heart Jesus’s greatest teaching: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”.

After years dedicated to spreading the Good News, Paul understood that the essence of the true evangelization lies in rebuilding love bounds. Before either clarifying a part of the Gospel or guiding his neophyte disciples, he made sure to prioritize establishing strong, transparents relationships fulfilled by love. Christian Spiritists must take on the same goal: to build bonds based on fraternal love in our christian lives. Loving, in its highest meaning, putting our hearts on every step we take, as a reflection of Christ’s teachings in our actions.

The Apostle to the Gentiles recognized Timothy as a huge potential for greatness. Paul saw in the young man a seed of possibilities of turning into a leafy and fruitful tree. Therefore he trusted Timothy with the crown of the uplifting struggle, certain of his persevering ability. As always attentive to the precepts of the Gospel, the weaver encouraged Timothy to keep studying, since many begin in the journey, few continue and rare are the ones who finish it faithful to the Gospel’s essence and foundation. 

As Emmanuel said, there would be no Timothy without Paul. Through divine wisdom, their paths came together, bringing light to those who cross ours. Once we were at the zenith of our journey, absorbing the first teachings of the loving Rabbi of Galilee. Now, we are invited to open our souls for what is useful, noble, putting our heart at service for the Good News. Thus, we must make an effort “to dominate their bad instincts”, establishing fraternity bonds, so that we can be recognized as true Spiritist-Christians, passing down to others the same impulse that Paul spread to young Timothy, sharing the joy of the path with Jesus.

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1- XAVIER, Francisco Cândido. Paul and Stephen. By the Spirit Emmanuel. 5th ed. Brasília: FEB, 1955 – “Breve Notícia”.
2 – The New Testament. Acts 16:1. Pilgrim’s Bible. Paulus
3 – XAVIER, Francisco Cândido. Paul and Stephen. By the Spirit Emmanuel. 5th ed. Brasília: FEB, 1955 – pg. 356 to 358. Indicators 4 to 10
4 – SILVA, Saulo Cesar Ribeiro. O Evangelho por Emmanuel: comentários às cartas de Paulo – Introdução às Cartas a Timóteo
5 – The New Testament. II Timothy, 1:2. Pilgrim’s Bible. Paulus
6 – The New Testament. John 13:34-35. Pilgrim’s Bible. Paulus 
7 – The New Testament. I Timothy 4:11-16. Pilgrim’s Bible. Paulus
8 – The New Testament. II Timothy, 3:10. Pilgrim’s Bible. Paulus
9 – KARDEC, Allan. The Gospel according to Spiritism. Historical edition. Brasília: FEB, 2013 – Chapter XVII – Be Perfect – Good Spiritists