Sts. Timothy and Titus

Their story

Timothy and Titus were two of St. Paul's closest companions, and the New Testament includes letters Paul wrote to each of them. Timothy grew up in Lystra, in what is now Turkey. His father was Greek, and his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were Jewish believers who taught him the Scriptures from childhood and came to faith in Jesus. Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey and took him along. Timothy became like a son to him, traveling with him, carrying his letters and caring for the churches Paul had founded. Paul eventually left Timothy to lead the church at Ephesus. His letters to Timothy are full of advice and encouragement for a young leader: "Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe." Paul even told him to take a little wine for his frequent stomach trouble. According to tradition, Timothy served as bishop of Ephesus for many years and died a martyr around the year 97. Titus was a Gentile, a Greek who came to faith through Paul. Paul brought him to Jerusalem as a sign that Gentiles did not need to become Jews to follow Christ. Later Paul trusted him with hard assignments, sending him to Corinth to help heal divisions in that troubled church. Finally Paul left him on the island of Crete to organize the church there and appoint leaders in every town. Tradition says Titus served as bishop of Crete until his death in old age. Together these two saints remind us of the importance of mentors in faith, and of the many faithful helpers who build up the Church.