“and he [Timothy] was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium.” (Acts 16:2)
Timothy’s reputation opened doors for him. The truth is that without a good reputation, you never know what opportunities could have happened but just never revealed themselves. If Timothy hadn’t been the person, he was: dedicated, faithful, passionate, trustworthy… then Paul would have never asked him to travel with him. Timothy wouldn’t have known the opportunities of the life he could have had. How sad is that? The world would be a bleaker place without the Timothy we know and love.
Reputation is preparation. Train to be the person who’s ready for the door to be opened.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Acts 16:1-8
Questions to ask:
- How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
- How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
- What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
- What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision