Paul must have learnt patience and recruitment techniques from Barnabas. In recruiting Timothy he consulted with believers who knew him well as opposed to making a one man decision (Acts 16:1). At the point of recruitment he made an effort to avoid confrontation with the Jews by circumcising the young man.
At Philippi although Timothy was in the company of Paul he is not listed among those who were imprisoned (Acts 16:19, 25). Probably Paul suggested to the authorities not to include this young inexperienced trainee in case he would desert them as Mark once did.
Timothy is referred to as Paul’s helper just as Joshua was Moses’ aid. (Acts19:22). As he gained experience we find his title changing from helper to “fellow worker” (Rom 16:21), “my son whom I love” (1 Tim 1:2) and “our brother” (Phlm 1).
After training him Paul does not hesitate to say, “If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am” (1 Cor 16:10). He is now sent on important errands because he has gained experience in the Lord’s service (Phil 2:19-22). In several of Paul’s letters Timothy is empowered enough to be treated as co-author of the letters (2 Cor1:1, Phil1:1).
As an established pastor he continues to receives counsel from Paul the senior worker on how to run his churches (1 Tim 3, 2 Tim 2:15, 4:2). Finally when Paul was in prison in Rome he needed the company and support of Timothy (2 Tim 4: 9, 21). It is evident that Paul developed a team of successors that carried on the work after him.