Summary: 2 Timothy 2:2 says, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Paul is saying to Timothy, “You heard from me. Teach others. Make sure those others can teach others as well.” This is the essence of ministry multiplication.
Paul considered Timothy as his very own son. While Paul was training leaders in each new church, he was also systematically showcasing to Timothy exactly how he was doing this.
Can I ask you a question? Do you have a “Timothy” in your life? Do you have someone that you are pouring into? Are you passing the baton of ministry or are you viewing this as an exclusively “solo sport”?
2 Timothy 2:2 says, “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” I appreciate the numerical nuance of 2nd Timothy 2:2. I call it the multiplication verse. 2 x 2 x 2. You heard from me. Teach others. Make sure those others can teach others as well. This is the essence of ministry multiplication. Build ministries through building leaders who can build other leaders.
Paul wrote in Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God would see this through. Paul could confidently trust God from prison, knowing these leaders, including Timothy would not be left as orphans.
Paul sought to achieve this multiplying of leaders to build churches and leaders like Timothy through relational discipleship. He says in I Thessalonians 2 – “We not only gave you the gospel of God but our very lives as well.” It is a relational business to multiply in ministry. Paul poured himself into others. Who can you pour into this week? Ask God to bring you a Timothy.