Timothy and Titus were faithful men in the early church. Both of these men were mentored by the Apostle Paul, and Paul came to treat both as sons to him (See I Timothy 1:2 and Titus 1:4). Paul trusted them to help him with his ministry work and he was instrumental in helping them both to become leaders in early Christendom.
Timothy was from Lystra. His mother, Eunice was a Jewess and his father was Greek (II Timothy 1:5). The character of Timothy starts to become apparent in the book of Acts where Paul is seen wanting to take Timothy along on his missionary journey because the brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him (Acts 16:2). Timothy’s willingness to be circumcised (Acts 16:3) shows that he was able to submit to the leading of Paul and also had a heart to see the Jewish people of the area saved. He did not want to put any stumbling blocks in their way.
A study of the Scriptures reveals further evidence of his positive character. Paul placed a great deal of trust in Timothy. When the Corinthian church was struggling Paul sent Timothy there to lead the flock in his absence (1 Corinthians 4:17-18). Paul mentions his faithfulness and tells Timothy to imitate him. During Paul’s last missionary journey he left Timothy in charge of the church at Ephesus (1:Tim.1:3). In fact, Paul mentions Timothy many times throughout the scriptures. In Philippians 2:19-23, Paul remarks how Timothy has served him and that he is a caring person. Timothy shows himself as one who is able to encourage and comfort others (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3). We also know that Timothy was a bit timid in that Paul instructs the Corinthians to receive him in such a way that he does not have fear (1 Corinthians 16:10) and Paul also tells Timothy himself that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7). Throughout the accounts in Acts and the Epistles we see that Timothy was a godly and faithful man.
Titus was also a close companion of Paul. He was a gentile (Galatians 2:3) and unlike Timothy was not compelled to be circumcised. Paul was able to use Titus to make the point that we as Christians are under grace and not subject to the law (Gal.2:1-5). Paul sent Titus to Corinth to collect financial contributions for the poor saints in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:6; 12:18). Paul also had a lot of confidence in Titus. He left him in charge of the church in Crete to set things in order and to ordain elders (Titus 1:5). Apparently, Paul also found it important to have Titus with him to continue the work of the ministry because he instructed Titus to join him in Nicopolis after he completed the work to be done in Crete. We know that he was also sent to Dalmatia, likely on an important mission. Titus’ character therefore shows he was philanthropic, diligent, and obedient in the work.
In the early years of the church, Timothy and Titus were fortunate to have worked closely with Paul, one of the greatest men in Christian history. Through Paul’s guidance each learned to imitate their mentor. Although their personalities were different, each was used as a delegate to the churches Paul founded at times when Paul was unable to be there in person. Paul placed a great deal of trust in both of these men and each became a spiritual son to him. The personal letters that Paul wrote to them are now preserved as Scripture in the Holy Bible. These letters confirm how much Paul cared for them and that they were men of integrity with a desire to please God and do the work of the ministry for the Kingdom of God.
See also: Peter and Paul
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