New Testament depictions of Timothy

Acts 16:1-3. While Paul is on his second missionary journey, Christians at Lystra in Asia Minor commend Timothy to Paul, and Paul decides to take him along on the journey. Luke tells us that Timothy's mother was a Jewish believer but his father was Greek and apparently unbelieving. Paul had him circumcised to avoid scandalizing Jews. Based on the ensuing silence, it appears that Timothy accompanied Paul and Silas during their journey to Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.

Acts 17:13. Timothy stays with Silas in Berea while Paul is taken to the coast to escape from Jewish opponents.

Acts 18:5. Paul had gone to Athens and then Corinth. Silas and Timothy meet up with him in Corinth. From silence in the narrative, it appears that Timothy was with Paul for the next year in Corinth and then accompanied him on his trip to Ephesus and his 3-year ministry there.

Acts 19:22. Paul sends Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia while he remains at Ephesus. Paul later travels to Macedonia himself and meets up with Timothy in Macedonia for the sail to Jerusalem. From subsequent silence in the narrative, it may appear that Timothy was with Paul during his trials in Jerusalem, his trip to Ptolemais, and his voyage to Rome.

1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10-11. Paul tells the Corinthians he will send Timothy to act as his representative/advocate in encouraging the divisive Corinthians. He urges the Corinthians to show hospitality to Timothy as they would to Paul himself.