to Thessalonica (Acts 18:5; 1 Thess. 3:1–2), and twice during the third missionary journey (Acts 19:22; 20:3–6). They had empirical “proof” (dokimēn) that Timothy was a faithful worker. The word “proof” was used of the testing of precious metals through the heat of the fire (cf. 1 Peter 1:7). Church leaders, like deacons, should be proved so that people will have confidence in their leadership (1 Tim. 3:10). Second, he was a cooperative servant. Said Paul, “… he hath served with me.” Some servants