Saint Timothy (c. 17 – 97 AD) was an early Christian bishop and a close companion of the Apostle Paul. Born in Lystra (modern-day Turkey) to a Jewish mother and a Greek father, he was taught the Scriptures from childhood by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. Paul converted him during his second missionary journey and later circumcised him to facilitate ministry among Jews. Timothy became Paul's most trusted assistant, representing him in Corinth, Philippi, and Ephesus. Paul addressed two of his pastoral epistles (1 and 2 Timothy) to him, offering guidance on church leadership and doctrine. According to tradition, Timothy served as the first bishop of Ephesus and was martyred around 97 AD by stoning for refusing to worship pagan idols. He is venerated as a saint in Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, and Anglican traditions, with feast days on January 26 (Eastern) and January 24 (Western).
