2 Timothy 1 11

2 Timothy 1:11 kjv

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 1:11 nkjv

to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 1:11 niv

And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.

2 Timothy 1:11 esv

for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,

2 Timothy 1:11 nlt

And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

2 Timothy 1 verses

2 Timothy 1 11 Meaning

The verse 2 Timothy 1:11 states that Paul was divinely commissioned to a multifaceted role concerning the Gospel: to proclaim it as a herald, to establish it as an apostle, and to instruct in its truths as a teacher. This appointment was God's initiative and authority, foundational to Paul's entire ministry, especially his endurance in suffering for Christ.

2 Timothy 1 11 Context

2 Timothy is Paul's second letter to his spiritual son, Timothy, believed to be written from Roman imprisonment shortly before Paul's death. It functions as a pastoral testament, encouraging Timothy to persevere in ministry amidst increasing opposition and to guard the true Gospel against spreading error. In chapter 1, Paul immediately thanks God for Timothy, recalling his sincere faith, and exhorts him to "fan into flame the gift of God" (v.6) given at his ordination. He reminds Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony about Christ or of Paul's imprisonment, but rather to share in suffering for the Gospel. Verse 11 naturally follows verse 10, which describes the victorious power of the Gospel that has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light. For this powerful and liberating Gospel, Paul explains, he endured hardship because he was divinely appointed to uniquely advance it in these specific roles. His suffering and calling are presented as a pattern for Timothy to follow.

2 Timothy 1 11 Word analysis

• For (εἰς τοῦτο - eis touto): Connects to the preceding verse (2 Tim 1:10), indicating that his appointment is because of or unto this powerful Gospel—the good news that has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through Christ. It signifies the purpose or object of his calling.
• this gospel (εὐαγγέλιον - euangelion): Refers specifically to the "good news" of salvation through Jesus Christ's finished work—His death, burial, resurrection, and the subsequent life and immortality brought to light. It is the central message around which Paul's life and ministry revolved.
• I (ἐτέθην ἐγὼ - etethen ego): While the Greek word for 'I' (ἐγὼ) is explicitly stated and can add emphasis, the primary emphasis here is on the passive verb "was appointed." Paul uses himself as the example to Timothy of one divinely chosen.
• was appointed (ἐτέθην - etethen): A passive, divine action. It means "I was placed," "I was laid down," or "I was designated." It powerfully signifies that Paul did not choose or attain these roles himself, but rather God supernaturally commissioned and ordained him into them. It highlights divine authority and initiation.
• a herald (κήρυξ - keryx): A Greek term for an official public announcer or messenger, often one who delivers a message from a king or authority figure. This role emphasizes the urgent, authoritative, and public proclamation of the Gospel. The herald's authority rested in the one who sent him, not himself.
• and (καὶ - kai): This conjunction links the three distinct but complementary aspects of Paul's singular calling. It signifies that these roles operate together, not independently.
• an apostle (ἀπόστολος - apostolos): From the Greek meaning "one who is sent forth," especially with authority on a specific mission. In the New Testament, an apostle held unique authority, having often been a witness to the resurrected Christ (as Paul was) and personally commissioned by Him to establish the church and reveal doctrine. They laid the foundational teaching of the church.
• and (καὶ - kai): Again, linking another aspect of his divine commission.
• a teacher (διδάσκαλος - didaskalos): One who instructs, explains, and educates in doctrine and moral truth. This role emphasizes systematic instruction and nurturing believers in their understanding of the Gospel's implications for life and faith, moving beyond initial proclamation to deeper understanding.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "For this gospel I was appointed": This phrase underlines that Paul's appointment was specifically for the Gospel and entirely by God's sovereign act. It implies the weighty responsibility that comes with such a divine commission and the integral connection between his identity and his message.
• "a herald and an apostle and a teacher": These three titles comprehensively define the scope and nature of Paul's divinely given ministry for the Gospel. They are distinct yet interconnected facets of a unified purpose. The order may suggest a progression: proclamation (herald) to establish (apostle) to instruction and nurturing (teacher). Together, they signify a complete and authoritative ministry.

2 Timothy 1 11 Bonus section

The three titles Paul lists (herald, apostle, teacher) reveal a theological progression from initial proclamation (herald) to establishing authority (apostle) and finally to ongoing discipleship and doctrine (teacher). This model indicates that Christian ministry is comprehensive, moving from outward evangelism to inward spiritual growth and grounding in truth. Paul's personal experience of this divine appointment serves as a profound comfort and example, not just for Timothy facing similar opposition, but for believers across generations. It emphasizes that service for the Gospel is not based on human ambition or merit but on God's sovereign choosing and empowerment, which alone gives meaning and endurance in the face of hardship. The verse indirectly underscores the value placed by God on clear, authoritative, and systematic communication of His truth.

2 Timothy 1 11 Commentary

Paul's declaration in 2 Timothy 1:11 serves as a profound statement of divine vocation, outlining the unique and comprehensive nature of his calling for the sake of the Gospel. His suffering and imprisonment, which he previously mentioned, are not arbitrary but are a direct consequence of fulfilling this specific, God-ordained mission. As a herald (κηρυξ), Paul was God’s official mouthpiece, proclaiming the saving message of Christ with urgency and authority to both Jew and Gentile. His message was not his own, but the very Word of God. As an apostle (ἀπόστολος), he was a uniquely commissioned emissary of Christ, directly sent to establish the foundational truths of the Christian faith, having witnessed the resurrected Lord and receiving revelations. This gave him unparalleled authority in doctrine and church planting. Finally, as a teacher (διδάσκαλος), Paul did not merely announce the good news, but also meticulously instructed believers in its deep theological implications, applying truth to life and building up mature disciples. These three roles, far from being redundant, highlight the multi-dimensional scope of Paul’s ministry—from initial proclamation to foundational establishment to ongoing discipleship and theological instruction—all dedicated to advancing the Gospel against error and for the glory of God. This divine appointment compelled Paul's unwavering dedication and endurance in the face of immense trials, setting an example for Timothy and for all subsequent ministers of the Word.