Influential Women of the Bible: Eunice and Lois

Influential Women of the Bible: Eunice and Lois
The story of Eunice and Lois is found in Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5.
Lois was the mother of Eunice, and grandmother of Timothy. Timothy was Apostle Paul’s most devoted and beloved son in the Gospel to whom he addressed two of his letters (1 & 2 Timothy). Although Eunice was a Jew, she was married to a Greek, which resulted in their son Timothy being raised spiritually as a Jew and culturally as a Greek. Eunice’s great faith and love for God inspired her to teach her son the Holy Scriptures from infancy (2 Timothy 3:15). His name Timothy signifies “one who fears God.” The wisdom of the Jewish people consisted not in worldly prudence or in intellectual philosophy, but in the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Job 28:28). Eunice and Lois understood that the wisdom found in biblical teaching was to begin at home, and that the word of God produces faith (Romans 10:17). This legacy of faith is to be passed from generation to generation.
Timothy’s ability as a leader of the church in Ephesus, to instruct in sound doctrine, to rightly divide the word of truth, to remain faithful during persecutions, and to be an example to other Christian disciples (1 Timothy 4:12) was no doubt influenced by the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and “unfeigned faith” instilled in him as a youth by his mother and grandmother. The prayers, witness, and faith of his godly ancestors were central factors in the spiritual development of Timothy.
Eunice and Lois’ sincere faith was not only taught, but lived out by example. This example was a pattern for Timothy to follow and not depart from (Proverbs 22:6). While many Christians were being deceived and departing from the faith, Timothy was able to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 4:12), and instruct and nourish others in the word of God.
It was in his second letter to Timothy that the Apostle Paul outlined four profitable uses of the inspired Word of God, the fourth of which is “training us to live God’s way” (3:16 The Message). No matter the concern or obstacle you face, search God’s Word for proper guidance and godly wisdom. For God’s Word is true, reliable, authoritative, permanent, and powerful because it comes from God Himself.