Saint Paul could not get all the work done by himself. He had to rely on Bishops whom he had appointed on his missionary journeys around the Roman Empire. We know from scripture that Timothy and Titus were Paul's trusted companions. There are letters in the New Testament addressed to both of them, although Timothy gets two letters.
From Paul's letters to Timothy we get the description of requirements for ordination and other instructions for keeping order in a church. Timothy was obviously young at the time, because Paul tells him to "let no one despise your youth."
According to Paul's letter to Titus, Paul had left him in Crete as the Bishop because Titus 1:5 says that Paul left Titus behind in Crete to put things in order and to "appoint elders in every town." Paul also calls Titus his "loyal child in the faith we share."
So we learn from Timothy and Titus that even at a tender age, some people are to be entrusted with great responsibilities of work in the Kingdom of God.
Almighty God, you called Timothy and Titus to be evangelists and teachers, and made them strong to endure hardship: Strengthen us to stand fast in adversity, and to live godly and righteous lives in this present time, that with sure confidence we may look for our blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
www.oursaviorhoneycreek.org
http://oursaviorhoneycreek.blogspot.com
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