When studying the Scriptures, the focus is usually on the authors or main characters. However, we can learn a lot by studying some notable individuals who were not the authors or main characters. Titus, for example, seems to be a burly type who could correct unruly individuals in the church in Crete. Or Apollos, who was eloquent in speech but refused to go to Corinth when asked. Another was Demas, identified as a fellow worker, but who abandoned Paul when the ministry was difficult. There are too many notables to count on this short blog. But one stands out as a F.A.T. man, Faithful-Available-Teachable. Microsoft Copilot attributes this acronym to NBA coach Pat Riley. The notable person was Timothy.
When Paul first met Timothy, he was already proven to be Teachable. There is significant documentation throughout Paul’s writings that he continued to be a learner, i.e., a disciple. He was Available. Timothy was Paul’s choice envoy sent to at least six churches for one purpose or another. He was not always successful, but he was always available. Then there is the time Paul sent Timothy to Philippi, where we learn how trustworthy Paul considered Timothy to be when he wrote:
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. (Phil 2:19-21)
Time and again, Paul trusted Timothy to be his representative and the servant of the Lord Jesus Christ who would do whatever needed to be done when Paul could not go personally. Paul notes:
But you know of his proven worth that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. (Phil 2:22)
Paul considered Timothy to be one of a kind. Notice the characteristics Paul found useful in this young man. First, he had a “kindred spirit.” The Greek term is isopsuchos. It consists of two terms, isos, equal, and psuche, soul. This strengthens the negative, “no one,” with the positive “of like soul.” When we define soul as a person’s driving force—his deepest interests, aspirations, and God-given purpose—we see a stark contrast with Demas, who “loved this present world.” (2 Tim 4:10)
Second, Paul states that this driving force was not put on, selfish, or in any way self-serving. This was his true character. The Greek term translated “genuinely be concerned” is gnesios, i.e., natural, by nature. Too often, individuals in ministry focus on what they can get out of it, seeking ways to get ahead.
Third, Paul expressed his expectations of what Timothy would do when he arrived at Philippi. The Greek term is merimnao, translated “be concerned.” Strong’s Concordance suggests “the idea of distraction” from the root “to divide.” Timothy would focus all his attention on meeting the needs of the local body of believers at Phillipi.
Are you a F.A.T. Christian?