Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe. So the churches were being strengthened in the faith, and were increasing in number daily. (Acts 16:1-5)
Timothy's dad. The Bible doesn't say too much about him. But the information we do have is short and succinct: "They all knew that his father was a Greek."
But in spite of this paternal legacy of (presumably) being outside of the fold of God, Timothy had another legacy. Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, lets the accolades fly: I know your grandmother and your mother by name. They were shining examples of faith under pressure. And, Timothy, I see their faith in you. Stay filled with faith. Develop your spiritual gift of supernatural faith.
Do you have a family tree that hints at subverted legacy? Don't dismay. God's work in you, and in the godly relatives who preceded you, will surely be recognized. Focus on the use of your gift for the sake of the kingdom of God around the world.
"Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium."
No comments:
Post a Comment