Timothy, Titus and Silas
Timothy and Silas are mentioned in The Acts of the Apostles. Timothy’s father was Greek and his mother a Jewish believer. Paul chose him as a companion for his mission to Asia Minor but had him circumcised because the “Jews who were in those places” knew that his father was a Greek (Acts 16:1–3). Timothy undertook missions to the Thessalonians, Corinthians and the Ephesians. Eusebius counts him as the first bishop of that city.
Silas is known by his Latinized name Silvanus when Paul cites him as his companion along with Timothy (1 & 2 Thessalonians 1:1). He was a prophet in the Jerusalem church (Acts 15:22–35), but also a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37–8). He went with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the decision of the apostolic council in Jerusalem (Acts 15:1–21) that Gentile believers did not have to observe the law of Moses. Paul chose Silas to accompany him on missions to Asia Minor and Macedonia where he may have remained after Paul left (Acts 15:41–18:5). Tradition has it that he died there after some years of missionary work.
Titus, a Greek, accompanied Paul to Jerusalem for the apostolic council. During Paul’s third missionary journey Titus was sent on missions to Corinth from which he gave Paul encouraging reports (2 Corinthians 7:13–15). Paul, who calls him: “my true child in the common faith”(Titus 1:14) left him to organize the church in Crete (Titus 1:5) and Eusebius reports that he was the first bishop there. These three are celebrated on the day after the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul because of their close connections with him. Though they were all young and inexperienced, they were entrusted with missions and matters that helped form the very life and history of the Church. Faithfulness, love and devotion to Christ saw them through situations they could not have imagined. HWHM
Antiphon https://tinyurl.com/yckjdem9
Holy Father, keep in your name those you have given me,
that they may be one as we are one, says the Lord. John 17
Guide us, O God,
by your Word and Spirit,
that in your light we may see light,
in your truth find freedom,
and in your will discover your peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCW
Music: https://tinyurl.com/ycn4djk5
O Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth will declare your praise.
Make haste, O God, to deliver me;
make haste to help me, O Lord.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Praise to you, O Christ, Alleluia!
HYMN: Jean Anthony Greif ©
Tune: https://tinyurl.com/rhsb8vsn (v. 1-3, 7)
1 Blessed are they who are poor in spirit,
Theirs is the Kingdom of God.
Bless us, O Lord, make us poor in spirit;
Bless us, O Lord, our God.
Refrain:
We are the light of the world,
may our light shine before all,
That they may see the good that we do,
and give glory to God.
2 Blessed are they who are meek and humble,
They will inherit the earth.
Bless us, O Lord, make us meek and humble;
Bless us, O Lord, our God. [Refrain]
3 Blessed are they who will mourn in sorrow,
They will be comforted.
Bless us, O Lord, when we share their sorrow;
Bless us, O Lord, our God. [Refrain]
4 Bless those who hunger and thirst for justice,
They will be satisfied.
Bless us, O Lord, hear our cry for justice;
Bless us, O Lord, our God. [Refrain]
5 Blessed are they who show others mercy,
They will know mercy too.
Bless us, O Lord, hear our cry for mercy;
Bless us, O Lord, our God. [Refrain]
6 Blessed are hearts that are clean and holy,
They will behold the Lord.
Bless us, O Lord, make us pure and holy;
Bless us, O Lord, our God. [Refrain]
7 Blessed are they who bring peace among us,
They are the children of God.
Bless us, O Lord, may your peace be with us;
Bless us, O Lord, our God. [Refrain]
8 Bless those who suffer from persecution,
Theirs is the kingdom of God.
Bless us, O Lord, when they persecute us;
Bless us, O Lord, our God. [Refrain]
PSALMS
Psalm 119:105-144 (Anglican Chant: https://tinyurl.com/v825pov)
105 Thy word is a lantern unto my feet *
and a light unto my paths.
106 I have sworn, and am stedfastly purposed *
to keep thy righteous judgements.
107 I am troubled above measure *
quicken me, O Lord, according to thy word.
108 Let the free-will offerings of my mouth please thee, O Lord *
and teach me thy judgements.
109 My soul is alway in my hand *
yet do I not forget thy law.
110 The ungodly have laid a snare for me *
but yet I swerved not from thy commandments.
111 Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever *
and why? they are the very joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfil thy statutes alway *
even unto the end.
113 I hate them that imagine evil things *
but thy law do I love.
114 Thou art my defence and shield *
and my trust is in thy word.
115 Away from me, ye wicked *
I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 O stablish me according to thy word, that I may live *
and let me not be disappointed of my hope.
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe *
yea, my delight shall be ever in thy statutes.
118 Thou hast trodden down all them that depart from thy statutes *
for they imagine but deceit.
119 Thou puttest away all the ungodly of the earth like dross *
therefore I love thy testimonies.
120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee *
and I am afraid of thy judgements.
121 I deal with the thing that is lawful and right *
O give me not over unto mine oppressors.
122 Make thou thy servant to delight in that which is good *
that the proud do me no wrong.
123 Mine eyes are wasted away with looking for thy health *
and for the word of thy righteousness.
124 O deal with thy servant according unto thy loving mercy *
and teach me thy statutes.
125 I am thy servant, O grant me understanding *
that I may know thy testimonies.
126 It is time for thee, Lord, to lay to thine hand *
for they have destroyed thy law.
127 For I love thy commandments *
above gold and precious stone.
128 Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments *
and all false ways I utterly abhor.
129 Thy testimonies are wonderful *
therefore doth my soul keep them.
130 When thy word goeth forth *
it giveth light and understanding unto the simple.
131 I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath *
for my delight was in thy commandments.
132 O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me *
as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name.
133 Order my steps in thy word *
and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me.
134 O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men *
and so shall I keep thy commandments.
135 Shew the light of thy countenance upon thy servant *
and teach me thy statutes.
136 Mine eyes gush out with water *
because men keep not thy law.
137 Righteous art thou, O Lord *
and true is thy judgement.
138 The testimonies that thou hast commanded *
are exceeding righteous and true.
139 My zeal hath even consumed me *
because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
140 Thy word is tried to the uttermost *
and thy servant loveth it.
141 I am small, and of no reputation *
yet do I not forget thy commandments.
142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness *
and thy law is the truth.
143 Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me *
yet is my delight in thy commandments.
144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting *
O grant me understanding, and I shall live.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son :
and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be :
world without end. Amen.
Psalm 119:105-144 (Gregorian Tone VI)
105 Your word is a lantern to my feet *
and a light upon my path.
106 I have sworn and am steadfastly purposed *
to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am troubled above measure; *
revive me, O Lord, according to your word.
108 Let the freewill offerings of my mouth please you, O Lord; *
and teach me your judgments.
109 My life is always in my hand, *
yet I do not forget your law.
110 The ungodly have laid a snare for me, *
yet I have not strayed from your commandments.
111 Your testimonies have I claimed as my heritage for ever, *
and why? They are the very joy of my heart.
112 I have applied my heart to fulfill your statutes always, *
even unto the end.
113 I hate those who are double-minded, *
but your law do I love.
114 You are my defense and shield, *
and my trust is in your word.
115 Away from me, you wicked. *
I will keep the commandments of my God.
116 Establish me according to your word, that I may live, *
and let me not be disappointed in my hope.
117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe; *
indeed, my delight shall be ever in your statutes.
118 You have trodden down all those who depart from your statutes, *
for they only imagine deceit.
119 You put away all the ungodly of the earth like dross; *
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, *
and I am afraid of your judgments.
121 I have done that which is lawful and right; *
O give me not over to my oppressors.
122 Be surety for your servant’s good; *
O let not the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes have wasted away with looking for your salvation, *
and for the word of your righteousness.
124 O deal with your servant according to your loving mercy, *
and teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; O grant me understanding, *
that I may know your testimonies.
126 It is time for you, O Lord, to act, *
for they have broken your law.
127 For I love your commandments above all things, *
more than gold and precious stones.
128 Therefore I hold all your commandments to be right, *
and all false ways I utterly abhor.
129 Your testimonies are wonderful; *
therefore does my soul keep them.
130 When your word goes forth it gives light *
and understanding to the simple.
131 I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath, *
for my delight was in your commandments.
132 O look upon me, and be merciful unto me, *
as you always do for those who love your Name.
133 Order my steps according to your word, *
and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me.
134 O deliver me from those who deal wrongfully, *
and so shall I keep your commandments.
135 Show the light of your countenance upon your servant, *
and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes gush out water *
because of those who do not keep your law.
137 Righteous are you, O Lord, *
and true are your judgments.
138 The testimonies that you have commanded *
are exceedingly righteous and true.
139 My zeal has even consumed me, *
because my enemies have forgotten your words.
140 Your word is tested to the uttermost, *
and therefore your servant loves it.
141 I am small, and of no reputation, *
yet I do not forget your commandments.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, *
and your law is the truth.
143 Trouble and heaviness have taken hold of me, *
yet my delight is in your commandments.
144 The righteousness of your testimonies is everlasting; *
O grant me understanding, and I shall live.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
PRAYER
Holy God,
you are just in all your ways
and your commandments are the greatest of treasures.
Give us understanding of your law
and direct us according to your will
that we may be faithful in serving you
for the sake of Jesus our Lord. Amen. BCW
THE WORD OF GOD
READING: Genesis 13:5-18
Now Lot, who traveled with Abram, also had flocks, cattle, and tents. They had so many possessions between them that the land couldn’t support both of them. They could no longer live together. Conflicts broke out between those herding Abram’s livestock and those herding Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land.
Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have disputes between me and you and between our herders since we are relatives. Isn’t the whole land in front of you? Let’s separate. If you go north, I will go south; and if you go south, I will go north.” Lot looked up and saw the entire Jordan Valley. All of it was well irrigated, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as far as Zoar (this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah). So Lot chose for himself the entire Jordan Valley. Lot set out toward the east, and they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot settled near the cities of the valley and pitched his tent close to Sodom. The citizens of Sodom were very evil and sinful against the Lord.
After Lot separated from him, the Lord said to Abram, “From the place where you are standing, look up and gaze to the north, south, east, and west, because all the land that you see I give you and your descendants forever. I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth. If someone could count the bits of dust on the earth, then they could also count your descendants. Stand up and walk around through the length and breadth of the land because I am giving it to you.” So Abram packed his tent and went and settled by the oaks of Mamre in Hebron. There he built an altar to the Lord.
HYMN: Ralph Wright ©
Tune: Crediton https://tinyurl.com/zkjs3zhh
1 O raise your eyes on high and see:
there stands our sovereign Lord;
his glory is this day revealed,
his word a two-edged sword.
2 We glimpse the splendor and the power
of him who conquered death,
the Christ in whom the universe
knows God’s creating breath.
3 Of every creed and nation King,
in him all strife is stilled;
the promise made to Abraham
in him has been fulfilled.
4 The prophets stand and with great joy
give witness as they gaze;
the Father with a sign has sealed
our trust, our hope, our praise.
READING: Acts 15:22-26, 30-33; 16:1-5
The apostles and the elders, along with the entire church, agreed to send some delegates chosen from among themselves to Antioch, together with Paul and Barnabas. They selected Judas Barsabbas and Silas, who were leaders among the brothers and sisters. They were to carry this letter:
The apostles and the elders, to the Gentile brothers and sisters in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings! We’ve heard that some of our number have disturbed you with unsettling words we didn’t authorize. We reached a united decision to select some delegates and send them to you along with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul. These people have devoted their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When Barnabas, Paul, and the delegates were sent on their way, they went down to Antioch. They gathered the believers and delivered the letter. The people read it, delighted with its encouraging message. Judas and Silas were prophets, and they said many things that encouraged and strengthened the brothers and sisters. Judas and Silas stayed there awhile, then were sent back with a blessing of peace from the brothers and sisters to those who first sent them.
Paul reached Derbe, and then Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy. He was the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. The brothers and sisters in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take Timothy with him, so he circumcised him. This was because of the Jews who lived in those areas, for they all knew Timothy’s father was Greek. As Paul and his companions traveled through the cities, they instructed Gentile believers to keep the regulations put in place by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and every day their numbers flourished.
HYMN: Fred Pratt Green, based on Dietrich Bonhoeffer ©
Tune: Intercessor http://tinyurl.com/bdhb5tnv
1 By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered,
and confidently waiting, come what may,
we know that God is with us night and morning
and never fails to greet us each new day.
2 Yet is this heart by its old foe tormented,
still evil days bring burdens hard to bear;
O give our frightened souls the sure salvation
for which, O Lord, you taught us to prepare.
3 And when this cup you give is filled to brimming
with bitter suffering, hard to understand,
we take it thankfully and without trembling,
out of so good and so beloved a hand.
4 Yet when again in this same world you give us
the joy we had, the brightness of your sun,
we shall remember all the days we lived through,
and our whole life shall then be yours alone.
READING: Matthew 5:1-12
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up a mountain. He sat down and his disciples came to him. He taught them, saying:
“Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
“Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad.
“Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.
“Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full.
“Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.
“Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God.
“Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.
“Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
“Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me. Be full of joy and be glad, because you have a great reward in heaven. In the same way, people harassed the prophets who came before you.”
CANTICLE Isaiah 61.10,11; 62.1-3
(Hildegard of Bingen https://tinyurl.com/26ehzcxk)
Refrain:
All God makes righteousness and praise
blossom before all the nations.
1 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
my soul shall exult in my God;
2 Who has clothed me with the garments of salvation,
and has covered me with the cloak of integrity,
3 As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
4 For as the earth puts forth her blossom,
and as seeds in the garden spring up,
5 So shall God make righteousness and praise
blossom before all the nations.
6 For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
7 Until her deliverance shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation as a burning torch.
8 The nations shall see your deliverance,
and all rulers shall see your glory;
9 Then you shall be called by a new name
which the mouth of God will give.
10 You shall be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
All Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now
and shall be for ever. Amen.
All God makes righteousness and praise
blossom before all the nations.
THE PRAYERS AAPB
Eternal God,
who declared in Christ Jesus
the completion of all your purposes of love;
We give thanks
for the triumphs of the gospel that herald your salvation
for the signs of renewal that declare the coming of your kingdom
for the revelation of the work of your grace in human lives . . .
for the unceasing praise of the company of heaven
for the promise to those who mourn that all tears will be wiped away
for the pledge of death destroyed and victory won . . .
for our foretaste of eternal life through baptism and the holy communion
for our hope in the Spirit
for the communion of saints
for all who rest in Christ . . .
We pray for the sick
those in pain . . .
the handicapped, the aged . . .
those who are tempted and despairing . . .
those who minister to them and care for them . . .
those who mourn . . .
May we live by faith, walk in hope, and be renewed in love,
until the whole world reflects your glory,
and you are all in all.
Even so, come Lord Jesus. Amen.
Setting: Sanford Dole https://tinyurl.com/y7ldq7h5
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your Name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread;
and forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
Just and merciful God, in every generation you raise up prophets, teachers and witnesses to summon the world to honor and praise your holy Name: We thank you for sending Timothy, Titus and Silas, whose gifts built up your Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Grant that we too may be living stones built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. HWHM
Music: https://tinyurl.com/y9efvwm5
Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 2 Cor. 13:14
BCW Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church U.S.A., 1993.
HWHM Holy Women, Holy Men © Church Publishing, Inc.
AAPB An Australian Prayer Book, © 1978 Anglican Church of Australia
The three main scripture readings are © 2011 Common English Bible.
The traditional version of the psalms is from The Book of Common Prayer (1662). The modern version is from Book of Common Prayer (2019) as recorded for the St Bernard Breviary https://www.bernardbreviary.com/chant-helps.
Musical links are usually either to artists’ albums posted on Spotify or to recordings made available at smallchurchmusic.com. Audio stripped from YouTube videos is footnoted accordingly above.
Compilation © 2026 Stephen T. Benner. All links worked at the time they were created, but I cannot accept responsibility for their content or any damage resulting from their use. The linked content is under the control of the respective content creators and is subject to change at any time. Any copyright texts included in this compilation are provided for non-commercial purposes related to study or worship. Please contact the respective copyright holders for permission to use the texts in other contexts.
Oremus 