Lessons from Eunice and Lois
31 Days of Women from Scripture
Day Twenty-Four
Lessons from Eunice & Lois
“Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek,” Acts 16:1
“For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.” 2 Timothy 1:5
“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15
As with Anna, we are not given many words about Eunice and Lois, but we learn much about them.
Eunice is Timothy’s mother. She is a Jewish woman converted to being a Christian. She is married to a Greek who is not a Christian.
Lois is Eunice’s mother, Timothy’s grandmother, who too would have been a Jew.
In previous lessons, like Sarah and Jezebel, legacy was a theme that was seen. What type of impact was made upon the next generations by the actions of one person? Huge impacts! This theme is seen here as well.
Lois is the beginning of a sincere faith in God that was seen in her daughter and then in her grandson. Lois’s influence on Timothy was so strong that Paul took note of it. Grandparents, do NOT dismiss the value of your relationship with your grandchildren. Parents, do not deny your children the time to be taught be with their grandparents. If there is no hurtful behavior going on, that relationship is one that will strengthen and build up the grandchildren, their parents, and the grandparents. In Genesis 18:17-19 the Lord explains why He has chosen Abraham, “that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice”. God knew Abraham would pass on what God taught him to future generations. Proverbs 17:6 says, “Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers.” The connection between the generations is a wonderful one.
Lois’s faith that she shared with her daughter Eunice, must have helped Eunice while she was in a divided marriage. Divided spiritually, that is. Eunice became a believer in Christ, but the implication of Acts 16:1 is that her Greek husband did not. This was not unusual. Paul deals with the concern in 1 Corinthians 7. The changing beliefs of one person does not undo the validity of the marriage (1 Cor. 7:14). Despite not being supported spiritually by her husband, Eunice was able to instill in Timothy a great faith and respect for the scriptures (2 Tim. 3:14-17). She shows that gentle and quiet spirit we see in 1 Peter 3:1-6. Her faith as a Jew was carried over into her strong Christian faith. Like Elizabeth and Mary, Lois was strong in the Old Law (2 Tim. 3:15) which opened that door to salvation through faith in Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:15 says a woman will be preserved if she continues in faith, love, and sanctity with self-restraint. Galatians 5:22-24 says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 2 Peter 1:4-11 says that traits like these will render one “neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The life that Timothy led is some of the fruit that came from Lois and Eunice’s obedience to God. Paul held these women up for giving Timothy that type of start! Today, what will you do to instill faith in your own children? It is not something that can be spoken by not lived (Col. 3:17; James 2:17; Rom. 12:1-2). What will your legacy be?
Enjoy!
the company you keep has a big impact on you of who you are or who people think you are by the company you hang with