1 Timothy 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, [which is] our hope;

Paul {G3972}, an apostle {G652} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} by {G2596} the commandment {G2003} of God {G2316} our {G2257} Saviour {G4990}, and {G2532} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, which {G3588} is our {G2257} hope {G1680};

From: Sha’ul, an emissary of the Messiah Yeshua by command of God our deliverer and the Messiah Yeshua our hope,

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Saviour, and Christ Jesus our hope;

Commentary

1 Timothy 1:1 serves as the traditional opening salutation of Paul's first letter to Timothy, immediately establishing the author's authority and the foundational truth of the Christian faith.

Context

This verse introduces one of the three "Pastoral Epistles" (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus), letters written by the Apostle Paul to his trusted associate and spiritual son, Timothy. At this point, Timothy was serving in Ephesus, likely facing challenges related to false teachings and the organization of the burgeoning church. Paul's salutation sets the tone, reminding Timothy – and by extension, the church – of the divine origin of his ministry and the central figure of their faith.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Authority: Paul identifies himself as "an apostle of Jesus Christ," emphasizing that his commission did not come from human will but "by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ." This underscores the divine backing of his message and instructions for church order.
  • God as Saviour: The title "God our Saviour" highlights God's initiative and ultimate purpose in salvation. It prepares the reader for the unfolding message of grace and redemption throughout the letter. This concept is further elaborated in other Pauline epistles, such as Titus 3:4-5.
  • Jesus Christ as Hope: The powerful declaration "[which is] our hope" firmly places Jesus Christ at the center of Christian expectation and assurance. He is not merely a historical figure or a teacher, but the living source of all believers' confidence for both the present and the future. This resonates with the promise of Christ in us, the hope of glory.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "apostle" (apostolos) signifies "one who is sent forth," carrying the authority of the sender. Paul consistently uses this title to assert the divine origin of his mission, as seen in his dramatic conversion and call (Acts 9:15-16). The term "hope" (elpis) in the New Testament is not a mere wish, but a confident and certain expectation rooted in God's faithfulness and promises, particularly concerning the resurrection and eternal life.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Timothy 1:1 reminds us that the foundation of our faith rests on divine authority, not human invention. Our salvation originates from God, and our ultimate hope is found solely in Jesus Christ. This verse encourages us to place our trust in God's unchanging character and Christ's finished work, providing a steadfast anchor in an often turbulent world.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Titus 1:3

    But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

  • Colossians 1:27

    To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • Jude 1:25

    To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

  • Galatians 1:1

    ¶ Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

  • 1 Timothy 1:12

    ¶ And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

  • 1 Peter 1:3

    ¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
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