Timothy was from Lystra, near Antioch and Iconium, so he knew about Paul's suffering (see Acts 13:14, 45–51; 14:1–8, 19–22). Paul recruited him after these events had happened (Acts 16:1–3).
the Lord rescued me: Paul could confirm from his own life that the Lord would fulfill his plans through his loyal servant (see 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18; Psalm 22:19–22; 34:19; Daniel 3:17–18; 2 Corinthians 1:8–10; 2 Peter 2:7–9).