Daily Devotional | Lois and Eunice: Godly Parenting

What role do grandparents play in a child’s life? Often, they are known for spoiling their grandkids. But they can play a key role. Through prayer, words, and example, they can pass on their faith to the next generation. In

In today’s reading, we meet Timothy whose faith was shaped by his mother and grandmother. Paul and Barnabas had just finished their first missionary journey, and the Jerusalem Council was convened (Acts 15). The discussion centered around circumcision and its connection to salvation. The decision was not to impose the law on Gentile believers.

After the Council, while preparing to return to missionary travels, Paul and Barnabas differed in their strategy and agreed to part ways. Paul took Silas and headed to Syria and Cilicia. In Lystra, they met Timothy. Timothy’s mother Eunice was a Jewish believer, and his father was Greek. Paul wanted to add him to their team. There was, however, the matter of circumcision. Timothy was half-Jew, and the Jews in that area would have known that. It may have been a barrier to the gospel, so, despite the Council’s decision, Paul asked Timothy to be circumcised. The fact that Timothy agreed is further testimony to his character and heart of obedience.

Timothy became a significant ministry partner for Paul. They worked closely together (Acts 18:5; 19:22). And the apostle sent Timothy on individual missions (1 Thess. 3:1–6). Paul even wrote two of his epistles directly to this “true son in the faith” (1 Tim. 1:2).

In 2 Timothy 1:3–5, Paul opens his second letter by once again commending Timothy’s faith. He also acknowledges the key role that Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois played in his discipleship. Their sincere faith had become Timothy’s own.

>> Grandparents and parents aren’t the only ones who can help pass down their faith to the next generation. Are you investing in people younger than yourself? What is one way you can strengthen their faith in Jesus?