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 might not be a name you’ve heard before. He doesn’t grace the pages of history books nor have a mention on Wikipedia. At first glance, he seems like an ordinary man living an obscure life in 1850s Boston. When it comes to the kingdom of God, there are no minor characters. Every child of the King, no matter how ordinary they may seem, is cherished and called to serve the Father.

Kimball, a humble Sunday school teacher, was far from insignificant. His life serves as a powerful example of how simple acts of faith can leave an eternal impact. Passionate about Jesus Christ and His message of salvation, Kimball dedicated himself to his students. Impelled by kindness and genuine care, he strove not only to teach them but to lead them to a life-changing relationship with Christ.

One young man in his class, however, appeared to be totally uninterested in faith. Undeterred, Kimball felt a burden to reach out to this student, even if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone. On April 21, 1855, compelled by his convictions, Kimball made his way to Holton’s Shoe Store in Boston, where the young man worked. Finding him in the back room wrapping shoes, Kimball shared the story of the Lord Jesus Christ with sincerity and love. Something remarkable happened that day—the young man truly listened. His heart was stirred, and he gave his life to Christ. Reflecting on the experience, he later said, “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.”

This young man was none other than Dwight L. Moody, who would go on to become one of the most impactful evangelists of the 19th century. Fueled by his newfound faith, Moody began sharing Christ with others right away, despite resistance from his own family. 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 replied that he was not “aware of anything particular.” But eventually, things got straightened out.

Though initially awkward in articulating his beliefs, Moody persevered and found his footing. Over time, his relentless passion and deep conviction would lead him to preach to an estimated 100 million people across the globe, changing countless lives.

But the story doesn’t end there. Moody’s conversion sparked a chain reaction that would ripple through history in ways Edward Kimball could never have imagined. D.L. Moody’s ministry influenced F.B. Meyer, a fellow minister, who then reached J. Wilbur Chapman for Christ. Chapman, in turn, mentored a fiery evangelist named Billy Sunday, whose dynamic preaching style captivated audiences. Through Billy Sunday’s influence, Mordecai Ham became a passionate preacher, and in 1934, during one of Ham’s revivals, yet another young man gave his life to Christ—a man by the name of Billy Graham.

Billy Graham would go on to become one of the greatest evangelists of the 20th century, reaching millions with the gospel of Jesus Christ and continuing the legacy that began with a Sunday school teacher’s quiet obedience.

Edward Kimball likely never imagined the far-reaching effects of his decision to share Christ with a single student in a shoe store. Yet his faithfulness reminds us of an incredible truth—no act of faith is too small in the Father’s hands. The ripple effects of a simple conversation, a kind word, or a bold step of obedience can echo far beyond what we can see, touching lives and transforming generations.

Edward Kimball’s story serves as a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, in any role, to carry out His divine plan. When we step out in faith, even in small ways, we allow God to work through us in ways that can shape history. His life reminds us that there, indeed, are no minor characters in the kingdom of God—only faithful servants with hearts willing to follow. Never 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 God’s kingdom.

Father, remind me often that I am deeply cherished in Your sight and that You have appointed kingdom work for me. Strengthen my heart to fulfill the assignment You’ve placed before me and lead me to the next.

INSIGHT

The Bible is filled with individuals who may seem like “minor characters” but contribute in profound ways to God’s work. Take, for example, Tertius. While Paul was the author and the voice behind the message, it was Tertius who served as his scribe and physically wrote it down, serving as Paul’s scribe. Romans 16:22 gives us this fascinating glimpse into Tertius’s role, as he writes, “I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.”

During the first century, a scribe was called an amanuensis. They were often employed to transcribe the words of others. They served much like modern-day stenographers, capturing someone else’s thoughts and translating them into lasting records. These scribes played vital roles, though they often remained unrecognized. Tertius might seem like an obscure figure, but he is actually the writer of Paul’s magnum opus, the magnificent book of Romans. Not too bad for a “minor character!”

Then there’s Timothy, one of Paul’s most trusted companions. Timothy wasn’t just a faithful helper; he was someone Paul described with rare and tender praise. Writing to the Philippians, Paul says, “I have no one like him, who will genuinely care for your welfare. For others seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 2:20-21).

It’s surprising that not many people realize the Bible addresses the issue of excessive self-love or narcissism. Paul points out that many individuals exhibit these traits. Timothy, however, was an exception. He was one of the many seemingly ordinary minor characters who proved to be 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,” and “like-minded.” It could be literally translated “like-souled.”

It captures the extraordinary bond between Paul and Timothy—a bond so deep that they shared not only faith but also heart, motive, and mission. You might say in everyday English, “They were cut from the same piece of cloth.”

Paul could trust Timothy completely, knowing that Timothy would represent him and Jesus Christ with the utmost integrity, even when Paul couldn’t be present.

Timothy’s life stood in stark contrast to those consumed by selfish ambition. He genuinely cared for the well-being of others and lived with a singular focus—to serve Christ. According to William Barclay, “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”

Both Tertius and Timothy remind us of a powerful truth about life in God’s kingdom. There are no minor roles or small tasks. Every action done in service to Christ, no matter how invisible to the world, carries eternal significance. Whether it’s the diligent work of writing down divinely inspired words or the steadfast faithfulness of serving others, each contribution matters deeply.

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© Dr. H 2025