II. Audience

The first mention of Timothy in Ac 16:1 identifies him as having a Jewish mother and Greek father. From his grandmother and mother he received a rich faith heritage (2Ti 1:5). He was circumcised (Ac 16:3) and accompanied Paul on his second and third missionary journeys (see Acts, introduction). Paul mentions Timothy by name in eight of his non-Pastoral letters—Ro 16:21; 1Co 4:17; 16:10; 2Co 1:1, 19; Php 1:1; 2:19ff; Col 1:1; 1Th 1:1; 3:2, 6; 2Th 1:1; and Phm 1. In Php 2:19-20 Paul recommends Timothy as one who will take a genuine interest in the welfare of the Philippians. Timothy is frequently referred to as Paul’s child in the faith (1Ti 1:2, 18; 2Ti 1:2; 2:1; and Php 2:22) and was placed in Ephesus as Paul’s representative (1Ti 1:3).