Paul and Timothy – like-minded for Christ

Xanthe Galanis

If it is the Lord's will, I hope that I will be able to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be encouraged by news about you. He is the only one who shares my feelings and who really cares about you. Everyone else is concerned only with their own affairs, not with the cause of Jesus Christ. And you yourselves know how he has proved his worth, how he and I, like a son and his father, have worked together for the sake of the gospel. Philippians 2:19-22

We've looked at a couple of the Apostle Paul's friendships over the past couple of weeks. There was Barnabas with whom he disagreed, but respected and continued to love nonetheless. There was Aquila and Priscilla, a godly couple who worked with him both at making tents and at making the gospel known across the land. And then, of course, there's Timothy.

Paul trained Timothy for the ministry personally. We read here that they shared each other's feelings, some versions of the Bible use the phrase 'like-minded'. There was no one else that Paul trusted enough to send to the Church in Philippi. Paul didn’t have to worry that Timothy would say something that would contradict him. He didn’t have to worry about Timothy undermining his efforts on behalf of the Philippian believers. Timothy was like-minded. His passion for Christ was like Paul’s and they would be in good hands under Timothy’s care.

Timothy became one of Paul's most significant collaborators. For years, these two friends were inseparable and their ministry benefitted from their alliance. Timothy was a trusted confidant and six of Paul's letters mention him as a co-sender. When God brings spiritual friendships together, he always has something bigger in mind than just benefitting the circle of friends.

Prayer: Lord, you have told us that two or three are gathered in your name, you are there. I pray that you would use my friendships and friendships all over the world, for the extension of your kingdom. Amen.