Lois (biblical figure)

Rembrandt, Timothy and his Grandmother, 1648.

According to the New Testament, Lois was the grandmother of Timothy. According to extrabiblical tradition, she was born into the Jewish faith, and later accepted Christianity along with her daughter Eunice.

Her only biblical mention is in 2 Timothy 1:5, where the author tells Timothy

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (ESV)

It has been suggested that Lois, Eunice, and Timothy may have been kinsfolk of Paul, hence his apparent intimacy with the family and his knowledge of their faith.^[1]

Lois has often been used as an example for Christian grandmothers and creating a heritage of faith.^[2] Dale Evans Rogers suggests that "her example, her teachings, and her faith" were strong influences in Timothy's life.^[3]

References

1. Spence, H. D. M. (1905), Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers on 2 Timothy 1, accessed 2 December 2016
2. "History's Women An Online Magazine". www.historyswomen.com. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
3. Rogers, Dale Evans. "Grandparents Can ... Lead the Way to Jesus". Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Archived from the original on 11 August 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2015.