2 Timothy 1:1-2 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, the beloved child, Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul’s second canonical letter to Timothy begins with the typical components of an ancient letter. Timothy was still in Ephesus dealing with those who were teaching false doctrines. Unlike the first letter where Paul was free, he was imprisoned when he wrote this letter. The opening of this letter is almost identical to 1 Timothy. Verse 1 provides a lengthy description of Paul’s position as an apostle, a word that basically means “sent forth as an emissary and spokesperson.” This word describes Paul’s calling and identity. He received his call on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:1-19, and his identity came through his suffering for the same of Christ as he preached the gospel first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21; Romans 1:14-16).
Paul was the representative of Christ Jesus. His identity, purpose, and mission came from Christ. For him, to live was Christ (Philippians 1:21). He got his authority from Christ, and he used this identity to deal with heresies and difficult situations. Timothy’s ministry in Ephesus was an extension of Paul’s apostolic mission. Paul’s apostleship came by the will of God. Other letters indicate God as the source of Paul’s mission (1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1 Colossians 1:1).
Paul’s last description of himself shows his motivation for his mission. Everything he did and endured was to receive the promise of life. This life comes in association in Christ Jesus, so it is eternal in scope. New life in Christ begins in this lifetime and lasts for eternity (Romans 6:4-5). This new life is marked by being in Christ in personal and corporate relationship that recognizes his supremacy and position as Savior, Lord, and Master. Paul’s mission was to make known to all people the message of this new life. He extended this mission through the ministry of Timothy.
The letter is written to Timothy, Paul’s close ministry companion. The letter was also intended to be read to the Ephesian church where Timothy was at the time (4:22). Paul calls Timothy his beloved child, indicating the special bond these two had. Beloved was a common description believers used for one another, showing the close relationship they had that was grounded in love as Jesus commanded (John 13:34). Child suggests how Paul had mentored Timothy through the years and was his spiritual father. This close relationship will stand in the background of the letter.
The greeting has three important words that Timothy needed in his ministry. Grace (charis) is God’s abundant gift of unconditional love to us most vividly and completely seen in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. God’s grace would sustain Timothy’s ministry. Mercy (eleos) is how we experience God’s grace in our weakened human condition prone to sin, error, and fatigue. God shows kindness by forgiveness and restoring us as we turn to him in faith. Peace (eirēnē) is the result of receiving God’s grace and mercy. People seek peace but look in the wrong places. The only source of peace that meets our deepest earthly and lasting eternal needs is God. The source of all of these is God the Father, who is sovereign over all, and Christ Jesus our Lord, who is the mediator and makes it possible for us to experience these.
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