Timothy’s seminary training under St. Paul was painful because before leaving Lystra Paul circumcised Timothy.

His seminary training was thorough because their journey began in Lystra, in what is now south central Turkey, and ended in Greece.  In Acts 16-18, the action moves along quickly.  However, a map of Paul’s second missionary journey indicates they traveled at least 850 miles on foot, for the most part.  That’s like walking from St. Louis to Baltimore or Denver.

It must have been exciting for young Timothy to travel with Paul and Silas as they sought to discover just where the Holy Spirit would allow them to go.  Finally, they end up at the Aegean Sea where Paul has a vision of a man calling them to Macedonia.  That vision leads them to travel down the east coast of Greece to Athens and then Corinth.

Finally, his training was dramatic because he saw churches strengthened through Paul and Silas preaching and teaching.  He saw churches established at places like Philippi and Thessalonica.  He also witnessed Paul and Silas being beaten and thrown into jail, where the jailer underwent an overnight conversion.

Eventually, Paul sent him back to Thessalonica to pastor that beleaguered congregation.  Timothy learned how to “fight the good fight” and to “take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” (I Timothy 6:11-16)

Timothy was also in Rome with Paul.  According to tradition, after Paul’s death he became bishop of Ephesus where he was martyred around 97AD.

Lord Jesus Christ, You have always given to Your Church on earth faithful shepherds such as Timothy to guide and feed Your Flock.  Make all pastors diligent to preach Your holy Word and administer Your means of grace, and grant Your people wisdom to follow in the way that leads to life eternal; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.