2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
This verse has become something of a mantra to some in recent years and people even speak of the Timothy principle, usually in reference to one to one discipleship programmes. It would be wrong to narrow down the verse as though it was teaching some particular way of discipling others. Paul simply urges Timothy to teach others just as he himself has taught Timothy. First, then there is Paul, representative of the apostles. Then there is Timothy, representative of the next generation - people who knew the apostles but not Christ on earth. Thirdly, there are those reliable people who knew neither Christ or his apostles but to whom Timothy is to entrust the truth. Fourthly and finally, there are others who learn from them. So what Timothy heard Paul say in the presence of many witnesses he is to entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. In other words Timothy is to have in mind passing on the gospel to later generations. All pastors should share this same concern. What they have from the Word of God they must entrust to reliable people who they preach to with the hope that these people will also be qualified to teach others. This means the message must be clear and faithful but in a form that will connect with succeeding generations.
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