From Infancy

By: Randal Myers

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Although the Bible does not record details about the lives and deaths of the apostles and other important leaders in the first century church, there were numerous historians and other prolific writers who have left us with at least the word of the day concerning them. It has been suggested that all of the apostles died as martyrs at the hands of those who opposed Christianity. John Foxe Lived in the mid 1500’s and became interested in telling the stories of those who died honoring their godly convictions. He produced a book in 1563 called Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Some of his accounts have documented resources while others are simply handed down by word of mouth through centuries.

In that book it is said that Timothy served the church in Ephesus until A. D. 97 when Domitian was Emperor. The pagans of the day were about to celebrate a feast called Catagogion. It is suggested that Timothy felt compelled to speak against this idolatrous celebration and having done so the people were so enraged, says Foxe, that “they fell upon him with their clubs, and beat him in so dreadful a manner that he expired of the bruises two days after. So, according to Foxe’s research, Timothy, known as the apostle Paul’s “son in the faith” died a martyr’s death.

"We must help the very youngest among us to develop a relationship with Jesus."

The Bible tells us of Paul’s meeting Timothy and his family in Acts 16 and it is obvious that Paul saw much potential in Timothy as he took him with him on his missionary trip at that point. Later, we find Timothy is a young minister and Paul instructing and encouraging him in his work.

In his second letter to Timothy Paul identifies one reason, maybe the primary reason for much of Timothy’s success.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 - But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Earlier in the book of 2nd Timothy we note who had taught him when it says,

2 Timothy 1:5 - I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Timothy’s life is a reminder of how important it is that we help the very youngest among us to develop a relationship with Jesus. This means that we must provide all kinds of programs and activities geared to a child’s perspective and designed to attract non-churched kids in the community.

Vacation Bible School is one of those important programs. We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who made our VBS so successful. To begin mentioning names would certainly omit many who have served in making this year’s VBS great, but I know everyone agrees that Gloria Powell deserves our special appreciation for taking on the monumental task of planning and organizing this event for the children of Highlands. She has worked tirelessly and lovingly to see that VBS was something we all could be proud of. Thank you Gloria and to all who served God in serving our children through Vacation Bible School.

Only the future will reveal the "Timothy's" who will look back to events like this as a catalyst for their faith.

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