The Thoughts of Wesley son of Cornelius

Even though Timothy seems to be hidden by the overwhelming shadow of the Apostle Paul, he did not play a lesser role. Where Paul was the man out front, Timothy was the man doing the background work. To show that Timothy was in the background, notice the introduction of the following letters.

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother …” (2 Corinthians 1:1)

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 1:1)

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother …” (Colossians 1:1)

“Paul, Silas, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ …” (1 Thessalonians 1:1 and 2 Thessalonians 1:1)

“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother …” (Philemon 1:1)

Most commentaries agree that Paul was the primary, if not the sole author of the above letters. More than likely, Timothy was just present when Paul wrote the letters. My speculation is that Timothy might have recorded what Paul recited. However, Paul might mention Timothy because (i) Paul had a very close relationship with Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2) and/or (ii) Timothy seemed to be liked by the general fellowship of brothers. The second point can be seen in how Paul refers to Timothy as OUR brother. Furthermore, the writer to the Hebrews—who more than likely was not Paul—writes the following:

“I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.” (Hebrews 13:23)

The dynamics of Paul and Timothy reminds me of the following passage:
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 NIV)