At 91, legendary Bible teacher Chuck Swindoll is still pouring decades of wisdom into the next generation. He believes every Christian needs four kinds of people on the journey.
During a deeply personal conversation with Kirk Cameron, Swindoll reflected on more than six decades of preaching, teaching and mentoring. But when the conversation turned toward relationships, accountability and finishing the Christian life well, Swindoll offered a striking biblical framework: Every believer needs a Barnabas, a Timothy, a Nathan and a Luke.
1. You Need a Barnabas
First, Swindoll pointed to Barnabas, the believer who came alongside the apostle Paul after his dramatic conversion.
“We all need a Barnabas,” Swindoll said.
After Paul’s former life as Saul of Tarsus, the disciples understandably feared him. Barnabas stepped into that uncertainty and vouched for the authenticity of Paul’s transformation, helping him move forward in his calling.
There are moments when believers need someone willing to see what God is doing in them before everyone else does—someone who encourages, strengthens and helps them get started.
2. You Need a Timothy
However, the Christian life isn’t only about finding someone who will pour into you. Eventually, you should be pouring into someone else.
“We all need a Timothy,” Swindoll said.
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Swindoll pointed to Paul’s relationship with Timothy, whom the apostle mentored and trained. Even at 91, Swindoll is living out that principle himself. He told Cameron that he meets every Saturday with two of his grandsons, both in their 30s, whom he now considers his “Timothys.”
The question, then, isn’t simply, “Who is mentoring me?” It’s also, “Who am I preparing to carry the faith forward?”
3. You Need a Nathan
This one may be the most uncomfortable.
“We all need a Nathan,” Swindoll said.
Nathan was the prophet who confronted King David after his devastating sin. He didn’t flatter the king or ignore what happened. At the right moment and in the right way, Nathan spoke directly: “You are the man.”
Every Christian needs someone who loves them enough to tell them the truth.
A Nathan isn’t there to tear you down. A Nathan is willing to confront the things that could destroy you if left unchallenged. Accountability may sting, but biblical correction can be one of God’s greatest protections.
4. You Need a Luke
Finally, Swindoll pointed to Paul’s haunting words near the end of his life: “Only Luke is with me.”
Paul was imprisoned and facing death, yet Luke remained.
Swindoll said believers need someone later in life who will simply “come alongside us, to be near us, to be a companion.”
Not every relationship is about correction, instruction or opportunity. Sometimes you need someone who stays.
Barnabas encourages you. Timothy receives what you’ve learned. Nathan holds you accountable. Luke remains when others disappear.
“They help hold us accountable,” Swindoll said. “And they help us walk close with our God.”
Perhaps that’s the challenge buried within Swindoll’s wisdom: Don’t merely ask whether you have these people in your life.
Ask whose Barnabas, Timothy, Nathan or Luke God may be calling you to become.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
