Learn more about Timon

Introduction to Timon

Timon is a relatively obscure yet important figure in the New Testament. He is listed among the seven men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to help manage the daily distribution of food to widows, a role that has traditionally been viewed as the beginning of the office of deacon. His inclusion in this list places him at a key moment in the development of early Christian community organization, highlighting the church's concern for social justice and practical ministry.

Timon Pronunciation

“Timon” is pronounced as TYE-muhn (with the first syllable rhyming with “sky”). In Greek, the name is Τίμων (Tímōn), which also carries a meaning of “honorable” or “esteemed.”

Timon in the Bible

Timon appears in the New Testament in the Book of Acts:

• Acts 6:5 – “And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.”

In this passage, the early Christian community in Jerusalem faced internal tension between the Hellenistic Jews (Greek-speaking) and the Hebraic Jews (Aramaic-speaking). The Greek-speaking widows were reportedly being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. To address this, the apostles appointed seven men "full of the Spirit and wisdom" to oversee this task so the apostles could focus on prayer and the ministry of the word.

Timon is one of the seven chosen, likely a Hellenistic Jew himself, suggested by his Greek name. His selection reflects the church’s effort to ensure fair representation and justice in its operations, and his role points to the value placed on servanthood in leadership within the early Christian community.

Related Themes and Meanings to Timon

• Servant Leadership: Timon is a model of practical service in the church, embodying the principle that ministry includes care for the physical needs of believers.
• Greek Influence in Early Christianity: His Greek name and inclusion in this list reflect the growing diversity in the early Christian community and its outreach beyond Jewish cultural boundaries.
• Church Structure and Offices: The appointment of men like Timon is seen by many scholars as the foundation of the diaconal office—church servants or deacons who manage practical ministries.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Timon

• Timon's name, meaning “honorable,” fittingly describes his selection for a trusted and respected role in the church.
• According to later Christian tradition, Timon is sometimes said to have become a bishop and a martyr, though such accounts are not found in the New Testament and should be considered with caution.
• The inclusion of seven men, all with Greek names, likely served to assure the Hellenistic Jewish Christians that their concerns were being heard and addressed by the leadership.
• Timon is often remembered alongside Stephen and Philip, two of the most prominent among the seven, suggesting that while he did not have a recorded ministry like theirs, his role was nonetheless vital in the church’s development.

Conclusion

Though Timon is mentioned only briefly in Scripture, his role in the early church illustrates the importance of service, fairness, and organizational wisdom in Christian ministry. He stands as a representative of those who quietly but faithfully build up the community through acts of compassion and administration. His legacy continues in the ongoing ministry of deacons and church servants throughout Christian history.