Philippians 2:19, 22
19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.
22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
“When Paul wrote these words, most vocational training was done by fathers, and sons stayed loyal to the family business. Timothy displayed that same loyalty in his spiritual apprenticeship with Paul. Timothy was with Paul in Rome when Paul wrote this letter. He traveled with Paul on his second missionary journey when the church at Philippi was begun. . . . ” (Life Application Study Bible 1994)
“Just as a skilled workman trains an apprentice, Paul was preparing Timothy to carry on the ministry in his absence. Paul encouraged younger Christians to learn, to observe, to help, and then to lead. Paul expected older Christians to teach, to model, to mentor, and then to turn over leadership. The benefits of such a process are new enthusiasm and vision, new methods and energy. Are you a teacher? Whom are you apprenticing for God’s work? Are you a learner? How are you showing your eagerness to fulfill the call God has on your life?” (Life Application Study Bible 1994)
Work Cited
Life Application Study Bible. Zondervan, 2011. p. 1994.
New Wine Fellowship 