Acts 16:1-8 - Homilies E. Johnson

Paul and Timothy.

In the intercourse of the great apostle with Timothy, and the history of the latter, we have an interesting episode.

I. THE YOUNG DISCIPLE . His case shows:

1. The blessing of a pious mother. The mother's love gives force to all her lessons, sanctity to the curliest of life's recollections. "Knowing of whom thou hast learned them."

2. The blessing of Christian society. He enjoyed the testimony of the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. Not only the good influences we receive from Christian brethren, but the certificate which their good will and commendation affords us, is to be considered.

3. The blessing of sound instruction. He had an apostle for his teacher. There were things he had "heard and been assured of" from those weighty lips.

4. These advantages turboed to account, tie was the pride and consolation of his mother, and the more so as her husband was an unbeliever. He was an ornament to his community, as we may see from the Epistles to Timothy, from Philippians 2:22 and 1 Corinthians 16:10 ; and a joy and support of the apostle.

II. SPECIAL ENCOURAGEMENT FOR CHRISTIAN MOTHERS .

1. How many examples have we not of devout mothers in the Old and New Testaments! Hannah, the mother of Samuel; Mary, the mother of Jesus; Salome, the mother of Zebedee's children; Eunice, the mother of Timothy. And with these may be compared Monica, the mother of Augustine.

2. A mother's prayers are as guardian angels about the life of her child; and the godly son possesses the happy harvest of a mother's tears.

3. The mother's early influence is the best preparation for future service. Paul laid stress upon it; and the happy connection between himself and the disciple—so fruitful for both and for the world—rested upon the early foundation laid by the mother.—J.