Read: Acts 16:1-5
Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. (v. 1)
Paul was now beginning his second missionary journey. As he traveled proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, he decided to visit a few places from his first journey. In particular, he wanted to see how the churches were in Lystra and Derbe.
His heart must have rejoiced not only about the progress that had been made in the churches, but also, to meet a young disciple named Timothy who “was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium” (v. 2). Paul was immediately drawn to this young man and invited Timothy to travel with him as he moved around the Mediterranean world with the gospel. Timothy was unique in that his mother was Jewish, but his father was Greek. In another place, Paul wrote of Timothy’s “sincere faith,” which he learned from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5).
Having a heritage of faith and being raised in a Christian home is a great blessing. It doesn’t mean that you automatically become a Christian, but it does put a person in a good position to experience God’s grace and love firsthand in the context of the home and church. Such is the covenant promise that we see when we baptize infants or dedicate children to the Lord. —John Koedyker
As you pray, thank God for faithful parents and grandparents who pass their faith along to their children.
About the Author
Rev. John Koedyker has been a pastor in the Reformed Church in America for more than forty years. His ministry began in Japan where he served as a missionary for ten years. After that he has served churches in Iowa and Michigan. He has served as the Stated Clerk of Muskegon Classis, RCA, for the past sixteen years and also presently serves as pastor of congregational care at First Reformed Church of Grand Haven, Michigan. John has written a number of times previously for Words of Hope and he has a bi-monthly religion column in the Grand Haven Tribune. He is married to Marilyn, and they have four grown children and seven grandchildren.
