March - Women's History Month Biblical Leaders in the New Testament

A woman’s role is so complex but yet so simple if we understand what the Bible says about us. Eunice, the virtuous mother of Timothy also was a Jewish believer. And I think it is safe to assume that Lois is a Jew, too, since Jews were prohibited from intermarrying with pagans. It was not noted exactly when they received Christianity. But, we know that Timothy grew up having a godly mother and grandmother. And through their ‘sincere faith’, they influenced the young leader greatly.  God designed a family with the parents as representations of His heart. Parents are to be examples of godliness so that their children will follow them. As a godly and virtuous mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) both fulfilled their calling. Their faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior can be seen in their daily lives. They spend time praying and reading the Scriptures. They were gracious and forgiving to their family members. And if they were at fault, they sought to work on their weak areas. These are all possible because of their submission and joy in the Lord that developed them to become like Him in character and attributes. “Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium” Acts 16:1-2 (NKJV).

This passage affirms the Bible’s authority and usefulness in our lives. It also affirms how important it is to do discipleship well. The goal of setting a good example is not just for moral guidance (although building good character is part of it). It is leading people to salvation through faith, making them complete, and equipping them for works of service. The formative faith of Lois and Eunice in Timothy's life and conversion can hardly be overestimated. Yet, many credit Paul as being the one who led Timothy to Christ with little mention of the impact Timothy's grandmother (Lois) and mother (Eunice) had on his faith. The mother of Timothy was a pious Hebrewess and regarded it as one of the duties of her religion to train her son in the careful knowledge of the word of God. Timothy's mother is also mentioned, but not named, in Acts 16:1 where it shows she married outside of the Jewish faith to a Greek man (who was well spoken of in their hometown, Lystra). “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:3-7 (NKJV).

Lois and Eunice were sincere in their faith and they were able to pass this down to Timothy. If you simply follow what was written here, it would imply that Lois was the first one to be converted. She then was responsible for the faith in Eunice and that was eventually passed down to Timothy. Though we don’t know how these women lived specifically, we do know these were women of sincere faith who lived and modeled the Christian life in front of Timothy. If there ever was an example of training up a child in the way they should go, then Lois and Eunice are perfect examples of this. God has placed within the heart of a godly mother and grandmother a willingness to do whatever their children and grandchildren's needs are. A  virtuous mother and grandmother have to face many life's demands without complaining, comparing, groaning, mumbling, or nagging their offspring's situation with others' circumstances. They are determined to be the women of faith God wants them to be. A godly mother and grandmother team who are building Kingdom servants. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV).

Lastly, society had reached an equilibrium where bad character did not always bear the consequences. According to 2 Timothy 3 paints a dichotomy between those with vile character, and wicked hearts along with those who follow God. Paul writes of a phenomenon, people will love themselves, be proud, ungrateful, and lack self-control. He is pointing to a general trend, not isolated cases. Timothy is encouraged to do two things despite this trend: 1). Following the good example, He was brought up in a God-fearing family, and those who taught him about God are his role models, his mother (Eunice) and grandmother (Lois) as discussed in 3:14. He was also mentored by Paul, following his teaching and conduct (3:10). He is urged to continue firmly down this path despite the difficulties and persecution that will come with it. 2). Following the Scriptures. The sacred writings come from God himself, useful for building up a person through teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness as discussed in 3:16. This all leads to three outcomes for the man of God who follows this path: wise for salvation (3:15), completeness (3:17a), and equipment for good work (3:17b). “For women, the important ingredients for happiness are to forge an identity, serve the Lord, get an education, develop your talents, serve your family, and if possible to have a family of your own. However, you cannot do all these things well at the same time. You cannot be a 100-percent wife, a 100-percent mother, a 100-percent Church worker, a 100-percent career person, and a 100-percent public-service person at the same time. How can all of these roles be coordinated? I suggest that you can have it sequentially. Sequentially is a big word meaning to do things one at a time at different times. I hope you acquire all of the knowledge you can. Become as skillful as you can, but not exclusively in new careers at the expense of the primary ones, or you may find that you have missed one of the great opportunities of your lives” ~ James E. Faust.