Timothy was born at Lystra, in Lycaonia. His father was a Gentile and his mother a Jewess. When the Apostle Paul came into those parts, Timothy was already a Christian. The Apostle had heard much of his holy life, and was thereby induced to take him as the companion of his travels: but on account of the Jewish converts to the faith of Christ, who were aware that Timothy's father was a Gentile, he administered to him the rite of circumcision. As soon as they both arrived at Ephesus, the Apostle ordained him bishop of that church.
The Apostle addressed two of his epistles to him, one from Laodicea, the other from Rome. Thus confirmed in his pastoral office, he could not endure to see sacrifice which is due to God alone, offered to the images of devils; and finding that the people of Ephesus were sacrificing victims to Diana on her festival, he strove to make them stop their impiety, but they stoned him; the Christians rescued him, nearly dead, and carried him to a mountain near the town, where on the 24th day of January he fell asleep in the Lord.
Sermon by St. Augustine the Bishop
Today we keep our annual celebration of the triumph of the blessed Martyr Timothy, and the Church, while rejoicing in his glory, places him before us, that we may follow in his footsteps. If we suffer with him, we shall be glorified with him. There are two things to be considered in this glorious combat: namely the hard-hearted cruelty of the torturer, and the unconquered patience of the Martyr―the cruelty of the torturer, that we may detest it; the patience of the Martyr, that we may imitate it. Hear what the Psalmist saith in reproof of wickedness: Be not emulous of evildoers, for they shall shortly wither away as grass. But the Apostle teacheth patience with the wicked in the words: Patience is necessary for you, that ye may receive the promise.
The Apostle addressed two of his epistles to him, one from Laodicea, the other from Rome. Thus confirmed in his pastoral office, he could not endure to see sacrifice which is due to God alone, offered to the images of devils; and finding that the people of Ephesus were sacrificing victims to Diana on her festival, he strove to make them stop their impiety, but they stoned him; the Christians rescued him, nearly dead, and carried him to a mountain near the town, where on the 24th day of January he fell asleep in the Lord.
Sermon by St. Augustine the Bishop
Today we keep our annual celebration of the triumph of the blessed Martyr Timothy, and the Church, while rejoicing in his glory, places him before us, that we may follow in his footsteps. If we suffer with him, we shall be glorified with him. There are two things to be considered in this glorious combat: namely the hard-hearted cruelty of the torturer, and the unconquered patience of the Martyr―the cruelty of the torturer, that we may detest it; the patience of the Martyr, that we may imitate it. Hear what the Psalmist saith in reproof of wickedness: Be not emulous of evildoers, for they shall shortly wither away as grass. But the Apostle teacheth patience with the wicked in the words: Patience is necessary for you, that ye may receive the promise.
