Theodoret of Cyrus: Timothy Brought to Faith By His Mother

Having a recollection of the unalloyed faith in you (v.5): I rejoice in particular at the sincerity of your faith. Which dwelt first in your grandmother Louis and your mother Eunice. Blessed Luke also recalls his mother in the Acts: "A disciple named Timothy was there, son of a Jewish woman, who was a believer." While one faith was in the past, it was the other she accepted for herself: though she was a Jew; she came to faith in the Savior of all. By the favorable mention of his parents, of course, the divine apostle strengthens the faith in the disciple; nothing brings such benefit as an example from home. Since it happens that some people of pious parents do not imitate their piety, he was obliged to add, And I am sure it is in you as well.

- Theodoret of Cyrus (around A.D. 393 to around A.D. 457), Commentary on 2 Timothy, Chapter 1, in Theodoret of Cyrus, Commentary on the Letters of St. Paul, Volume 2, p. 237 (2001), Robert C. Hill translator.