Today the church remembers Timothy, Titus, and Silas, Companions of Saint Paul. Both Timothy and Titus were Gentiles, i.e., non-Jews, converted by Paul. Each seems to have accepted the Christian faith at the end of a long and deep personal struggle. It was not an easy step to take. Nor did the early church find it easy to accept a Gentile into the “Household of the faithful” (see February 4). These men became close friends of Paul, and they accompanied him on several of his missionary journeys where they proved to be invaluable assistants, especially in the Greek cities of Corinth and Thessalonica. From Paul’s letter to Titus, which is contained in the New Testament, we assume that the apostle left Titus on the island of Crete. Titus is believed to have been the chief organizer of the church on that island. Paul frequently used Timothy as a trouble-shooter and follow-up man in his ministry. Timothy followed Paul to Rome and visited him in prison there, but escaped the Neronian persecution. Timothy spent his last days witnessing to Christ in Ephesus where, according to Eusebius, he was beaten to death by a mob of pagans among whom he had opposed the licentious festivities of the goddess Diana. Almighty and merciful God, who called your servants Timothy and Titus to endure hardship for the sake of your dear Son: Strengthen us in like manner to stand firm in adversity. Amen.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 15:00:01 +0000