Minor characters ∙

Minor characters ∙

I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord. – Romans 16:22

Philippians 2:20-22

 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare.

 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.

 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News.

Edward Kimball, a man of the 1850s era in Boston, might not be a familiar name to many. He doesn’t even have his own Wikipedia page. He seems like an obscure figure in the grand scheme of the kingdom of God in 19th-century America.

However, when it comes to the kingdom of God, there are no minor characters. Every child of the King is precious to Him. The Father has kingdom work for every one of them.

Kimball was far from insignificant. He leaves an indelible mark on history through his kindness and genuine care for his students. As a Sunday School teacher, he was passionate about sharing the message of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross with his students.

On April 21, 1855, Kimball went to Holton’s Shoe in Boston to share the love of Christ with one of his students. This particular Sunday school student had shown little interest in God or the Christian faith. He found the teenager in a back room wrapping shoes. As Kimball shared his message, the young man listened carefully to what he had to say. On that day, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart and became a child of the King. Later, he reflected, “I had not felt that I had a soul till then.” The young man recalled, “I was in a new world. The birds sang sweeter; the sun shone brighter. I’d never known such peace.”

He immediately began sharing his new faith with others. His family wanted nothing to do with his new beliefs. Undaunted, he searched for young men like himself and shared his new faith with them. When he tried to join the church, he was initially not accepted. Why? He was asked what Christ had done for him, and being somewhat nervous, he simply replied that he was not “aware of anything particular.” But eventually, things got straightened out.

That young boy was none other than D. L. Moody, who grew up to become one of the most influential evangelists of the 19th century, reaching an estimated 100 million people.

But that is only part of the story; the rest is even more amazing. Through his influence, F.B. Meyer became a child of the King, and a chain of faith began. Through F. B. Meyer, J. Wilbur Chapman became a child of the King. In turn, Chapman influenced Billy Sunday, a prominent 20th-century evangelist. Through the work of Billy Sunday, Mordecai Ham became a child of the King. Mordecai Ham became a preacher and evangelist. Through his efforts, in 1934, he led another young man to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ: Billy Graham.

Edward Kimball serves as a potent reminder that what may seem insignificant in the world’s eyes plays a significant role in the kingdom of God. Edward Kimball’s story reminds us never to underestimate the result of sharing the love of the Lord Jesus Christ with just one person. His Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).

Ponder for a moment and play the “what if” game. What would have happened if Edward Kimball had not followed the Father’s leading on that April day in 1855 and decided he had better things to do?

Minor characters are nothing of the sort in the kingdom of God. Each child of the King is a work of art, a masterpiece that demonstrates the grace of God and the Lord Jesus Christ for all time and eternity.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

REFLECT & PRAY

There are no minor characters in the kingdom of God.

Father repeatedly remind me that I am precious in Your sight and You have kingdom work for me to do. Encourage me to finish my current assignment and lead me to the next.

INSIGHT

Who are some New Testament “minor characters” that are nothing of the sort?

First, there is the writer of the book of Romans. Paul was the author of Romans, but he was not actually the writer. Instead, Tertius wrote it.

Romans 16:22 I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord.

In the first century, some individuals were professional writers and scribes. They were like modern-day stenographers who use shorthand to take down someone else’s words. Many modern-day secretaries also play this role. They are called upon to “take letters.” Someone else dictates the message, and they write it down.

In the first century, scribal assistants were commonly employed to write down the words and thoughts of another. This person was called an amanuensis. The otherwise unknown Tertius is actually the writer of Paul’s magnum opus, the magnificent book of Romans. Not too bad for a “minor character!”

In the 21st century, now more than ever, post-COVID, it is hard to get good help. But it has always been so. Paul had a particular problem with this. Many people attended to his needs, helping him and providing comfort and aid. But he had only one go-to person, Timothy.

Philippians 2:20-21

 20 For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.

 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.

It’s surprising, but not many people know that the Bible addresses the issue of excessive self-love or narcissism. Paul even points out that a lot of people exhibit these traits. Timothy, on the other hand, was the exception. He was one of the many ordinary minor characters who was extraordinary.

What made Timothy extraordinary? The Greek word translated as no one like him, kindred spirit, like-minded is isopsuchos. This is a scarce word, only used once in the New Testament. Isopsuchos comes from isos – equal and psuche – soul, mind. It has the sense to be activated by the same motives, of like character, like-minded. It could be literally translated “like-souled.”

Paul implies that at their core, he and Timothy share a unique bond that isn’t replicated with anyone else. You might say in everyday English, “They were cut from the same piece of cloth.”

Paul and Timothy shared identical passions and perspectives. Their concerns and priorities were aligned. And when it comes to other people, they were genuinely concerned about their welfare. They put others before themselves.

On the other hand, Paul is saying he could count on Timothy like no one else. He is confident that Timothy shared his deep concerns of heart and would carry out his wishes. “In some languages, who shares my feelings is best rendered as “Who shares one heart with me.’ In other languages, one may say, ‘He has my heart and mind,’ ‘He thinks the same in his heart as I do,’ or ‘My thoughts are his thoughts’” (UBS).

In other words, no one was as close to Paul as Timothy. They shared a more profound bond than that of brothers or best friends; it was more akin to the relationship between a father and son. Such a deep companionship is a rare luxury.

This unique relationship meant that when Paul couldn’t be present, he could trust Timothy to represent him perfectly as if Paul himself were there.

“Others might be consumed with selfish ambition, but Timothy’s one desire was to serve Paul and Jesus Christ. He is the patron saint of all those who are quite content with second place, as long as they can serve” (Barclay).

Timothy serves as an ideal role model for us in our spiritual journey. He embodies the quintessential “minor character.”

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© Dr. H 2023