Lexical Summary Timón: Timon Original Word: Τίμων Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Timon. From time; valuable; Timon, a Christian -- Timon. see GREEK time NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom timé Definition Timon, a Christian NASB Translation Timon (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5096: ΤίμωνΤίμων (on the accent cf. Winer's Grammar, § 6, 1, l.), Τιμωνος, ὁ, Timon, one of the seven deacons of the church at Jerusalem: Acts 6:5. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Timon’s name conveys the idea of honor and worth, an apt description for a man entrusted with a ministry of compassion in the earliest days of the church. Biblical Appearance Acts 6:5 presents Timon as one of “the Seven,” chosen to oversee the daily distribution to widows in Jerusalem. The verse reads, “This proposal pleased the whole congregation, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert from Antioch” (Acts 6:5). This single reference places Timon at a crucial juncture in church history when practical service was formalized so the apostles could devote themselves “to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). Historical Context The Jerusalem fellowship had grown rapidly (Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4). As Hellenistic Jews joined the predominantly Hebraic congregation, cultural tensions surfaced, particularly over the care of Hellenistic widows (Acts 6:1). The apostles led the believers to select spiritually qualified men from the Hellenists themselves, demonstrating wisdom, unity, and accountability. Timon—bearing a Greek name—represented the very constituency in need of equitable treatment, symbolizing the gospel’s power to reconcile differing groups within one body. Role Among “the Seven” While Stephen and Philip receive detailed narratives later (Acts 6–8), the remaining five—including Timon—share the same Spirit-guided appointment (Acts 6:3). Scripture’s silence regarding further exploits does not diminish their importance; rather, it underscores that faithful service often occurs away from the spotlight yet remains essential to the church’s health (1 Corinthians 12:22). Ministry Significance 1. Model of Servant Leadership 2. Promotion of Unity 3. Validation of the Diaconate Later Tradition Early church writers associate Timon with missionary work beyond Jerusalem. Eusebius and other sources cite him as the first bishop of Bosra in Syria, where he is said to have suffered martyrdom by fire. While extra-biblical, such traditions reflect the early church’s recognition of Timon’s continued faithfulness. Theological Themes • Compassionate Justice: Timon’s service protected vulnerable widows, mirroring the Lord’s heart for the marginalized (Psalm 68:5). Pastoral Applications • Churches should intentionally include culturally diverse leadership to safeguard unity. Related Passages for Study Luke 22:24-27; John 13:3-17; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Hebrews 6:10. Summary Though mentioned only once, Timon’s life exemplifies honored service, Spirit-guided administration, and cross-cultural harmony. His legacy encourages believers to pursue humble ministry that magnifies Christ and strengthens His church. Forms and Transliterations Τιμωνα Τίμωνα Timona Timōna Tímona TímōnaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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