What does 2 Timothy 1:5 mean?
The theme of this verse is sincere faith. Paul's only other mention of this phrase is in 1 Timothy 1:5. Here, Paul notes the historical and family connections in Timothy's faith. First, this faith was in Timothy's grandmother, Lois, mentioned only here in the New Testament. Second, Timothy's mother Eunice is noted. Acts 16 reveals that Timothy's father was a Greek—meaning a Gentile—and his mother was Jewish. Timothy's mother was devout in her beliefs, raising Timothy to know the Torah and Jewish customs. However, it may also be true that both Lois and Eunice had become Christians in Lystra during Paul's ministry there. If so, their influence in Timothy's salvation would have been even greater.In verse 3, Paul noted that his own faith was a continuation of that of his Jewish ancestors. Here in this verse, Timothy's faith is connected with his own Jewish ancestors. Paul and Timothy were therefore family, both as fellow Jews and as fellow believers in Christ. Their spiritual connection was strong. Timothy may be away from home (in Ephesus rather than his hometown of Lystra), but was part of a godly family that had influenced his walk with God.