Eunice: Timothy's Influencial Mother

On a day that we honor mothers, it is appropriate to look to the Bible for examples of good mothers. Perhaps one of the most overlooked mothers in the Bible who would serve as a tremendous example is Eunice, Timothy’s mother. Timothy was one of Paul’s most trusted coworkers (Phil. 2:19-22), and his mother, Eunice, is one reason why Timothy was so faithful. Consider this great mother’s influence for good.

First, Eunice influenced Timothy for good despite being in a religiously mixed marriage. Timothy was “the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek” (Acts 16:1, NKJ). This shows, incidentally, that it is not inherently sinful for a Christian to be married to a non-Christian (cf. 1 Cor. 7:12-13), though it is not the most desirable (cf. Mt. 6:33; Col. 3:1-2). The point, however, is that a wife can still be faithful even though her husband may not be (cf. 1 Pet. 3:1-6). In spite of her marital situation, Eunice (and her mother, Lois) could influence Timothy to the point he “was well spoken of by the brethren” (Acts 16:2). Mothers today must not sell themselves short, thinking that because their marriages are not ideal, they cannot raise their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Eunice teaches us that no matter the religious condition of fathers, mothers can influence their children for the Lord!

Second, Eunice influenced Timothy for good because she herself had genuine faith. Paul told Timothy that the “genuine faith” which dwelt in him “dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice” (2 Tim. 1:5). Faith is of primary importance (Jn. 3:16; Eph. 2:8-10; Heb. 11:6). If mothers are to influence their children in “the training and admonition of the Lord” (cf. Eph. 6:10), then they absolutely must have genuine faith. Children learn more by what they see in the home than by what they hear their parents teach—actions speak louder than words! Could it be that the reason why some children leave the church when they grow up and leave home is because they were not properly trained in the Lord, even though they may have attended church services regularly and recited the memory verses (cf. Pr. 22:6)? Clearly, Eunice’s genuine faith influenced Timothy to the point that “the faith” became Timothy’s own, genuine faith!

Third, Eunice influenced Timothy for good because she taught him the Scriptures. Paul encouraged Timothy to “continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:14-15). These verses show that Eunice knew her son needed to learn the Scriptures because she knew the Scriptures were of essential spiritual value. Because she knew these things and because she wanted what was best for her son, Eunice taught Timothy the Scriptures. When mothers today realize these truths, they also will diligently teach their children the Scriptures, even when it requires great sacrifice of time and effort.

Mothers can literally change the world for good if each one of them would emulate Eunice in principle and action. Some mothers may not find themselves in the best social position, but they can still influence their children for the Lord! Do we have genuine faith that manifests itself in our homes? Do we teach our children the Scriptures by spending time with them in the Bible and by making sure they attend all church services? May God bless the mothers among us to influence their children as Eunice did Timothy.