Paul had a close and caring relationship with Timothy. He first met him on his second missionary journey, described in Acts 16. Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium, so Paul wanted him to join them on their journey.
After that we find Timothy regularly mentioned as accompanying Paul on his travels and also going with others to represent Paul as churches were established round the Mediterranean.
The letters to Timothy are amongst the last letters Paul wrote, probably from Rome before his final imprisonment there in AD 64.
The faithful God, who’s nature is to GIVE …
Read, and sing aloud or quietly to yourself, this well-known hymn. It sets the tone for this week’s readings in describing God’s nature as the one who GIVES. Whereas we often think of our relationship with God as one in which we give to God – whether it be worship, service or public allegiance – this week we focus on Him as the Giver
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see:
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow—
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
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