Timon was an early Christian deacon and martyr who lived during the first century. He was one of the seven men chosen to assist the apostles in managing food distribution for the growing church community. Identified in the Acts of the Apostles, he was among the group of seven deacons appointed to resolve disputes regarding the care of Hellenistic Jews. While his specific biographical details vary across different historical traditions, he is recognized for his service to the early church and his eventual martyrdom.
Life and ministry
According to biblical accounts, Timon was the fourth individual named among the seven deacons. Various traditions offer different perspectives on his later life, including suggestions that he was one of the seventy disciples or a bishop in Bostra or Corinth. Some accounts claim he preached in Haleb and Beroea, while others describe him as a leader in Corinth who faced significant persecution for his faith.
Martyrdom and veneration
Timon is remembered as a martyr who suffered for his preaching. Some traditions state he survived being thrown into a fire before being crucified, while others suggest he died after being cast into flames by a governor. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Coptic Orthodox traditions, with feast days observed on July 28, April 19, and December 30.