When reading the letters of St. Paul, two names appear again and again: Timothy and Titus. They were not apostles in the dramatic sense of Paul, nor were they martyrs. Yet they were essential to the life of the early Church and deeply loved by the man who brought Christianity across the ancient world.
Timothy was Paul’s spiritual son. He first met Paul in Lystra, where Timothy was already known for his faith despite his young age. His mother was Jewish, and his grandmother Lois had passed on the Scriptures to him, while his father was Greek. Paul saw in Timothy devotion, humility, and teachability. So Paul invited him to leave home and travel as a missionary companion.
In the Scriptures, we see Paul's trust in Timothy. Paul sent him alone into difficult communities, including Corinth and Thessalonica, which were filled with conflict and opposition. Paul himself admitted that Timothy was timid by nature. Yet he encouraged him, urging him not to let others look down on him because of his youth. Timothy learned leadership through Paul's faithfulness and patience with him.
Titus, by contrast, was known for steadiness and strength. He was a Gentile convert and living proof of Paul’s teaching that salvation did not depend on Jewish law. Titus became Paul’s problem solver. When churches were divided or struggling, Paul sent Titus.
One memorable moment comes from Paul’s mission to Corinth. The community was fractured, and Paul feared his letter of correction might have done more harm than good. He anxiously awaited news from Titus, who had been sent to assess the situation. When Titus returned with word that the community had repented and reconciled, Paul was overwhelmed with relief and joy.
Paul later left Titus in Crete to organize the Church there, appointing elders and correcting disorder. This was not an easy assignment. Crete was known for instability, yet Paul trusted Titus to bring order with wisdom and firmness.
Together, Timothy and Titus reveal something about St. Paul’s mission. The Church was not built by lone heroes. It was built through relationships and mentorship. Paul did not cling to authority but formed others to carry it forward.
Their lives also remind us that faith is often transmitted quietly. Through teaching, encouragement, correction, and simple presence. Timothy shows us the power of gentle perseverance. Titus shows us the strength of faithful leadership. Both reveal that God works through trust and obedience.
We see the works of St. Timothy and Titus in the New Testament. Become familiar with these saints in the New Testament and Psalms RSV.
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