Bishop and Martyr
Feast: January 24 (Traditional Calendar)
“To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord.”
— 2 Timothy 1:2
Early Life and Discipleship
Saint Timothy was born in Lystra in Lycaonia (modern-day Turkey), of a Jewish mother, Eunice, and a Gentile father. He was brought up in the fear of God, instructed in the Holy Scriptures from childhood by his mother and his grandmother, Lois (cf. 2 Tim 1:5), both women of deep faith. This grounding in the sacred writings prepared him to receive the Gospel with joy when the Apostle Saint Paul came to Lystra during his missionary journey.
Paul, discerning Timothy’s virtues and promise of sanctity, chose him as a close companion and spiritual son. He had him circumcised to better aid in preaching among the Jews (Acts 16:3), and Timothy became one of Paul’s most faithful disciples and co-workers. His name appears in the salutations of many of Paul’s Epistles, and he was entrusted with missions of great importance.
Bishop of Ephesus
Eventually, Saint Paul consecrated Timothy as the first Bishop of Ephesus, one of the most important cities of Asia Minor. There, he labored tirelessly for the spread of the Gospel, correcting errors, ordaining clergy, and building up the faithful amid persecutions and pagan opposition. Saint Paul’s two Epistles to Timothy form part of the New Testament and offer deep insight into pastoral care, the responsibilities of bishops, and the spirit of Christian discipline.
Timothy was known for his meekness, chastity, zeal, and unwavering fidelity to Christ. Though young in years, he was of mature judgment and apostolic courage, living out the exhortation of his spiritual father: “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the faithful” (1 Tim 4:12).
Martyrdom
According to the Acts of Timothy, a revered though non-canonical account preserved in early Church tradition, Saint Timothy met his martyrdom during a pagan festival in Ephesus. Around the year 97 A.D., during the reign of the Emperor Nerva, the city held a riotous celebration in honor of the goddess Diana (Artemis), marked by debauchery and idolatry. Saint Timothy, moved by zeal for the honor of God, publicly rebuked the people for their impiety.
Infuriated, the pagan mob turned upon him with savage fury. He was beaten, dragged through the streets, and stoned. After two days of suffering, he surrendered his soul to God, thus receiving the crown of martyrdom.
Veneration
Saint Timothy’s relics were later transferred to Constantinople during the reign of Emperor Constantius, and placed near those of Saint Andrew and Saint Luke. He has been venerated from the earliest times as a model bishop, faithful disciple, and courageous martyr.
The Roman Martyrology commemorates him on January 24, and his name is honored in the Traditional Latin Mass and Divine Office as a companion of the Apostle Paul and a pillar of the early Church.
✠ Spiritual Reflection
Saint Timothy’s life calls the faithful to fidelity in spiritual friendship, purity in doctrine, and courage in adversity. His example as a young bishop, steadfast in truth amidst corruption and idolatry, speaks to every Christian called to witness to Christ in a hostile world.
✠ Prayer to Saint Timothy
O glorious Saint Timothy, disciple of Saint Paul and faithful bishop of the Church, obtain for us grace to preserve the faith in purity, to be zealous in works of charity, and to endure sufferings with courage for the love of Christ.
May we, like thee, live in the light of the Gospel and die in the hope of eternal glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.Saint Timothy, Bishop and Martyr, pray for us.