10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.” (2 Timothy 3:10–11 (ESV)
“One commentator has noted that Paul’s instructions to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:1–3:9 are largely given by way of a negative example in that the godless character the apostle describes is the antithesis of what Timothy is to be like. This is especially evident in 3:1–9, for Timothy and, indeed, all Christians must not be “heartless, slanderous,” and “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” With 3:10, however, Paul begins to instruct Timothy in a positive manner, that is, through telling him what to do instead of what not to do,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
Who do you recognize as mentors in your life? Realizing any one individual may have many counselors, guides, tutors, teachers and advisors. Let’s limit the focus to a spiritual and godly mentor. This may have been a pastor, a Bible college professor, or para-church ministry director who impacted your life for good and for God. Many such individuals come to my mind. How about yours?
Here’s another question to consider. Who would you say in your life views you as a mentor? It may be a fellow believer who was/is a member of your church, a former student, or a current colleague in ministry. Don’t minimize the Lord’s impact in their lives through your example of faithfulness and godliness.
Consider one more thought. What if your mentor committed a moral failure? What if you did? How would you feel, not only as a follower but also as a leader? The impact others have in our lives, and the impact we have in the lives of others, can be incalculable. It can also be devastating if we are not careful to guard our hearts (Prov. 4:20-27).
For Timothy, his mentor arguably was the Apostle Paul. Today’s featured biblical text portrays the apostle as a mentor to a younger man in ministry. One of the key pieces of evidence which demonstrates this idea in today’s text is the verbal phrase have followed (παρηκολούθησάς; parekolouthesas). It means to wholeheartedly, actively, realistically and faithfully follow or carefully investigate. It refers to a thorough examination of something or someone. Paul acknowledged the impact he had in his young protégé’s life and ministry.
“With the problem of false teachers fully in view, Paul once more turns to exhorting Timothy to faithfulness, first in terms of the example Paul has set (and implicitly that of Timothy’s mother and grandmother), and then in terms of confidence in and obedience to Scripture,” comments Dr. Sproul. “Once again, Paul appeals to his own life, both his faithfulness and his sufferings, as an example for Timothy (1:11-13; 2:8-10).”
“Between the false teachers and Timothy there had been a sharp contrast, so that Paul is able to exclaim, “You (with great emphasis on this pronoun), however, followed my teaching,” etc. The verb followed, in Greek as well as in English, when it is used in a figurative sense, can mean either watched, observed, investigated (cf. Luke 1:3); or took as a model, adhered to, copied. Though the latter meaning will do very well when associated with “my teaching, my conduct, my purpose, my faith,” etc., it will not do nearly as well with “the things which happened to me at Antioch,” etc. Probably what the apostle means is this, “Timothy, in contrast with our opponents, you took a deep, sympathetic interest in my teaching, my conduct,” etc. So interpreted, the verb implies that Timothy had actually taken Paul as his model, and had also listened to him with keen interest when he related his experiences, in some of which (for example, those at Lystra) the younger man had become intimately involved.”[1]
“Paul, soon to die, clearly is looking back upon his whole life of service to Christ, especially upon that part of it which began with his first missionary journey and extended to this very day here in the Roman dungeon. With respect to that entire long journey he says, in summary, “You … followed my teaching, conduct,” etc.
In the original each of the particulars with respect to which Timothy has “followed” Paul is definite. Hence, the correct rendering is not “my teaching, conduct, purpose,” etc. (A.V. and A.R.V.), but “my teaching, my conduct, my purpose,” etc., with “my” repeated before each item.”[2]
It is to this list particular list of Paul’s pastoral mentorship we will examine when next we meet. Again, consider the questions which began today’s devotional. Who do you recognize as mentors in your life? Who would you say in your life views you as a mentor? What if your mentor committed a moral failure? What if you did? How would you feel, not only as a follower but also as a leader?
The impact others have in our lives, and the impact we have in the lives of others, can be incalculable. It can also be devastating if we are not careful to guard our hearts. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 289–290.
[2] Ibid., 290.
