Topical Bible: Faith: Lois

◄ Faith: Lois ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Lois is a notable figure in the New Testament, recognized for her sincere faith and her role in the spiritual upbringing of her grandson, Timothy. She is mentioned specifically in the Apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy, where her faith is commended and highlighted as a foundational influence in Timothy's life and ministry.

Biblical Reference:

Lois is mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:5 : "I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded now lives in you also." This verse underscores the generational transmission of faith within Timothy's family, with Lois being the matriarchal figure who first embodied this sincere faith.

Role and Influence:

Lois is depicted as a woman of genuine faith, which is described as "sincere" by Paul. The Greek word used here, "anupokritos," suggests a faith that is genuine, without hypocrisy, and deeply rooted in conviction. Her faith was not merely a personal attribute but a living legacy that she passed down to her daughter Eunice and subsequently to her grandson Timothy. This transmission of faith highlights the importance of familial influence in spiritual development and the nurturing role that women can play in the faith journeys of their descendants.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the first-century Greco-Roman world, women often played a crucial role in the religious education of their children. Lois, as a Jewish believer, would have been well-versed in the Hebrew Scriptures and the traditions of her faith. Her influence on Timothy is particularly significant given that his father was a Greek (Acts 16:1), suggesting that Lois, along with Eunice, was instrumental in ensuring that Timothy was raised with a strong foundation in the Jewish faith, which later blossomed into a vibrant Christian faith.

Theological Significance:

Lois's mention in the New Testament, though brief, carries profound theological implications. Her faith is a testament to the power of a godly heritage and the impact of faithful living. It serves as an encouragement to believers to cultivate and pass on their faith to future generations. The reference to Lois also emphasizes the communal and familial aspects of faith, where the spiritual growth of individuals is often nurtured within the context of family and community.

Legacy:

Lois's legacy is seen in the life and ministry of Timothy, who became a close companion and trusted co-worker of the Apostle Paul. Timothy's leadership in the early church and his role as a pastor in Ephesus can be traced back to the foundational faith instilled in him by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Her example serves as an enduring reminder of the influence that a faithful and godly life can have across generations, shaping leaders and impacting the broader Christian community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 1:5
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in you, which dwelled first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in you also.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... grandmother Lois and mother Eunice do not always see the boy who has known the
Scriptures from a child grow up into a Timothy, in whom their unfeigned faith ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and ...
... which are able to make thee wise unto salvation," and in speaking of Timothy's faith
Paul says, that faith "dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother ...
/.../chapter v the baptismal covenant.htm

2 Timothy i. 1, 2
... Ver.5. "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee.". ... (Acts
16:1, 3.). "Which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice.". ...
/.../homily i 2 timothy i.htm

Family Religion.
... The commendation bestowed by Paul upon Timothy, was that "from a child" he enjoyed
the "unfeigned faith" of his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois. ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter iii family religion.htm

Verse the Seventeenth
... your hearts by faith." (Ephesians 3:17.) "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned
faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grand-mother Lois, and thy ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/verse the seventeenth.htm

The Upbringing of Jewish Children
... Paul: "I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first
in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice"; and again, "From a child ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 7 the upbringing of.htm

The First Epistle to Timothy
... Paul addresses this letter to "Timothy my own son in the faith," 1: 2. We find ... Both
his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois are spoken of as Christians in II ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the first epistle to timothy.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... can rely upon these promises of God with the full assurance of faith; for His ... And
were not Lois and Eunice rewarded for their faithfulness to young Timothy? ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

Acts xv. 35
... Of him he saith, "Remembering thy tears and thy unfeigned faith, which dwelt first
in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice." (2 Timothy 1:5.) His ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxiv acts xv 35.htm

A Sketch of the Life of S. Gregory of Nyssa.
... not owe to her religious influence their settlement in the faith and consistency ...
Timothy, he was blest with the religious instruction of another Lois and Eunice ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter i a sketch of the.htm