2 Timothy 1 1

2 Timothy 1:1 kjv

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

2 Timothy 1:1 nkjv

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

2 Timothy 1:1 niv

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 Timothy 1:1 esv

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 Timothy 1:1 nlt

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1 verses

2 Timothy 1 1 Meaning

This verse introduces Paul as the divinely appointed author, emphasizing his apostolic authority given "by the will of God," rather than human design. His commission is intrinsically connected to God’s eternal plan, which is "the promise of life," and this ultimate life, bestowed by God, is uniquely realized and found "in Christ Jesus." It sets the foundation for the letter by asserting the divine origin of Paul's message and the exclusive centrality of Christ for salvation and eternal life.

2 Timothy 1 1 Context

The letter of 2 Timothy is one of Paul's final epistles, often considered his spiritual will and testament. Written likely from a Roman prison (around A.D. 66-67), Paul faces imminent martyrdom. This letter is deeply personal, addressed to his beloved protégé, Timothy, who is leading the church in Ephesus amidst significant challenges—false teachings, waning commitment among some believers, and the immense pressure of ministry. The opening verse establishes Paul’s unchanging apostolic identity and grounds his ensuing exhortations and teachings in God's eternal purpose and promise, offering a firm theological basis for Timothy's perseverance in the gospel. It sets the tone for a call to faithful endurance despite suffering and opposition.

2 Timothy 1 1 Word analysis

• Paul (Παῦλος - Paulos): The author’s Roman name, signifying humility (from paulus, "small" or "least"). It stands in contrast to his previous Hebrew name Saul, meaning "asked for" or "great." This name carries the authority and identity of the converted persecutor turned Apostle to the Gentiles.
• an apostle (ἀπόστολος - apostolos): Signifies one who is "sent out" with specific authority, a delegate or an ambassador. Paul’s use of this title emphasizes his direct commission from Christ, differentiating his authority from human appointment or self-proclamation. It establishes the authoritative nature of his message.
• of Jesus Christ (Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ - Iesou Christou): Identifies the supreme authority from whom Paul's apostleship is derived. "Jesus" (from Hebrew Yeshua), meaning "the Lord saves," refers to the person of God incarnate. "Christ" (from Greek Christos), meaning "Anointed One," is the Messiah, designating His divine office. Together, they represent the divine Savior and the very subject of Paul’s preaching.
• by the will (διὰ θελήματος - dia thelematos): Prepositional phrase denoting agency, cause, or means. This stresses that Paul's apostleship is not by human initiative or choice but is directly initiated and purposed by God's sovereign decision. It provides divine legitimation for his call and message.
• of God (Θεοῦ - Theou): The ultimate, absolute, and singular divine source of Paul’s authority and ministry. It highlights the divine origin of all true calling and spiritual life.
• according to (κατὰ - kata): A preposition indicating alignment, conformity, or correspondence. Paul's apostleship is not random, but perfectly aligned with, and finds its ultimate basis in, a foundational divine promise.
• the promise (ἐπαγγελίαν - epangelian): A divine guarantee or firm declaration from God, signifying an assured fulfillment. This implies a timeless decree, established by God Himself. It points to a divine plan that predates human history and offers certainty in an uncertain world.
• of life (ζωῆς - zoes): Refers to eternal, spiritual, and divine life—not merely biological existence (Greek bios). This "life" is the new creation reality, characterized by communion with God, given to those in Christ. It directly contrasts with spiritual death caused by sin.
• which is (τῆς ἐν - tes en): The genitive case with the preposition "en" ("in") functions here to indicate the sphere, realm, or condition in which the promise of life exists and is accessed. It's the inherent location of this promised life.
• in Christ Jesus (Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ - Christo Iesou): Emphasizes the singular and exclusive person through whom this divine promise of eternal life is actualized, embodied, and received. Union "in Christ" is the essential condition for possessing this life.

2 Timothy 1 1 Bonus section

• Paul’s consistent use of the phrase "by the will of God" in his opening salutations (e.g., 1 Cor 1:1; 2 Cor 1:1; Eph 1:1; Col 1:1) underscores the fact that his ministry was not self-initiated or politically motivated, but rather an act of divine appointment. This repeated emphasis helped counter potential accusations against his authority.
• The concept of "the promise of life" resonates deeply with the biblical narrative, stretching from God's earliest pledges of redemption (Gen 3:15) to the full realization of eternal life in Christ (Jn 3:16). It signifies that God's plan for humanity was always life-giving, challenging contemporary pagan beliefs in fatalism or fragmented deities.
• The phrase "in Christ Jesus" highlights the profoundly relational aspect of salvation. It speaks of a mystical yet real union where believers are enveloped within Christ's saving work and divine life, providing security, identity, and the basis for all spiritual blessings.

2 Timothy 1 1 Commentary

2 Timothy 1:1 lays the theological groundwork for Paul's deeply personal and instruction-laden letter. Paul's authoritative introduction as "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God" is more than a formal salutation; it’s a robust declaration of divine mandate. His authority is not derived from human assemblies or personal ambition but from God's sovereign and deliberate choice. This immediately frames the epistle not as mere personal advice but as divinely inspired instruction. The subsequent phrase, "according to the promise of life," anchors his apostolic mission to God's eternal, unwavering commitment to impart true, spiritual, and everlasting life. This promise is ancient and certain because God is faithful. Crucially, this promise, and the life it delivers, is found exclusively "in Christ Jesus." Christ is not just the means to this life, but the very essence and source of it, implying that union with Him is indispensable. This opening verse therefore establishes the twin pillars of Paul’s ministry and the Christian faith: divine authority and eternal life, both irrevocably tied to Jesus Christ. It urges the recipient, Timothy, and by extension, all believers, to recognize the divine authority behind the Gospel and the glorious, promised reality of eternal life found solely in Christ. For example, in times of doubt, believers can rest assured that their salvation and calling are rooted not in human strength, but in God’s unchanging will and His promise secured in Christ.