By: Obed Pineda
Around 63 A.D., the apostle Paul was freed from his house arrest in Rome (according to the predominant opinion among Biblical historians, cf. Acts 28:30). The apostle quickly picked up his missionary task once again and traveled east of Rome, arriving first at Ephesus. Looking to continue his journey toward Macedonia, the apostle made an important decision with regards to the church there at Ephesus. The inspired apostle explains to his young apprentice, Timothy, that “I urged you when I went into Macedonia – remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith” (1st Timothy 1:3-4). Upon reading this pericope, it is curious to meditate the apostle’s decision and purpose for leaving the young evangelist in Ephesus when it is realized that the church there already had an eldership established (cf. Acts 20:17). Remember that the elders of a congregation are the ones responsible to “take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28, cf. 1st Peter 5:1-4). Keep in mind that the quoted Scripture records the apostle Paul’s words to the elders of Ephesus whom he had called to Miletus before his arrest in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 20:17ff). From this conversation to Paul’s release from prison, a little more than three years had passed. Ergo, there is a very high probability that the elders he met at Miletus were still the same ones guarding the flock at Ephesus when he and Timothy arrived there after his release. Although it is tempting to reach a conclusion suggesting that perhaps the apostle lost confidence in these shepherds and for this reason he left Timothy there, the apostle himself immediately puts this false theory to rest reminding Timothy “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership” (1st Timothy 4:14). The apostle’s exhortation to the young evangelist proves that the Ephesian elders were in agreement with Paul’s decision of leaving him there to assist them in tending to the flock. Therefore, this does not reflect Paul’s distrust in the Ephesian elders’ ability to serve efficiently, but rather it reflects his profound confidence in Timothy’s ability to collaborate well with them in that vineyard. However, knowing that the elders of Ephesus concurred with Paul that it was wise for Timothy to remain and aid them in their labor, also brightens their extraordinary foresight concerning the church. They judiciously comprehended the precious worth of preparing more faithful and able men as future elders and deacons, to preserve the continuity of the church (cf. 1st Timothy 3:1-13). The amazing humility and meekness illustrated by these men must not be ignored, since they were more focused on the future of the church at Ephesus and not on the “threat” of losing their office. Paul’s great concern for all the churches of Christ truly demonstrates a marvelous spirit of sincere service and love that every Christian should emulate (cf. 1st Corinthians 11:1). It is valuable to keep in mind that the apostle also gave this same task to a second young apprentice of his, whom he commissioned “I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you” (Titus 1:5). Southeast of Greece, between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, Titus had been stationed on the ancient island of Crete. This island was rich in history and mythology, making it a very powerful and recognized civilization in the old world. Paul wrote his epistle to Titus, shortly after writing his first letter to Timothy, with the same objective in mind. Timothy and Titus had accompanied the apostle on his missionary journeys, where he continued their training as evangelists. It is vital to learn that both men were already serving as evangelists when the apostle Paul found them (cf. Acts 16:1-3, Galatians 2:1-5). This amazing fact reveals that their faith was already fervently active when the apostle invited them to join him on his journeys where they would develop and grow tremendously under his guidance and instruction. Titus, for example, had been entrusted by Paul to go to Corinth and follow up on their status after having written a stern letter in response to their poor decisions (cf. 2nd Corinthians 7:5-15). Titus was also enlisted by the apostle to gather their monetary collection that would be sent to aid the saints in Jerusalem during the famine (cf. 2nd Corinthians 8:1-24). Without a doubt these tasks assigned to the young evangelist illustrates not only the amount of trust that Paul had in him, but the method Paul implemented as well, to further his spiritual development as an evangelist. The apostle not only helped these two young Christians advance the level of their own spiritual talents, but he also instructed them “commit these [lessons] to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2nd Timothy 2:2, addition mine). The inspired apostle to the Gentiles exhorted both of his apprentices to first be an example to those whom they were going to train (cf. 1st Timothy 4:11-16, Titus 2:6-8). Let us recall that Timothy and Titus were already practicing their spiritual gifts in the congregations where they were being instructed to prepare future servants of the Lord. Paul’s delegation to the young, active evangelists demonstrates how crucial the continuation of preparing future pillars and grounds of the Church really is (cf. 1st Timothy 3:14-15). Both of these young evangelists had an active faith from an early age (cf. 2nd Timothy 3:14-15), and because of this they were instrumental in progressing the growth of the church. Abiding faithfully in the Word of God allowed Titus and Timothy to gain the knowledge and understanding they required to be able to identify those who are likeminded, to train and prepare for the future. Observe the apostle’s recommendation of Timothy: “you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the Gospel” (Philippians 2:22). Scripture enlightens the path that leads to the preservation of the ongoing growth of any congregation. It is healthy for those who are presently strong in the faith to mark those who can take their place in the future, and assist them in the development of that spiritual talent. A mature and spiritual Christian will always imitate our Lord in this aspect, because his love for the church outweighs love for self (cf. 2nd Corinthians 11:22-31).