1 Timothy 1:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 1:1 serves as the authoritative opening to Paul's first letter to Timothy, immediately establishing the apostle's divine commission and identifying God as the ultimate source of salvation and Jesus Christ as the singular object of Christian hope. This salutation not only authenticates Paul's message but also grounds the subsequent instructions for church order and doctrine in the sovereign will of God and the saving work of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates the first of Paul's "Pastoral Epistles," a collection including 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. These letters are distinct in their focus, primarily addressing matters of church leadership, sound doctrine, and practical Christian living within local congregations. Unlike earlier epistles that often address specific theological disputes or moral failings within churches, the Pastoral Epistles are directed to Paul's trusted associates, Timothy and Titus, providing guidance for their pastoral responsibilities. The salutation here sets the tone for the entire letter, emphasizing Paul's apostolic authority as the foundation for the weighty instructions and warnings against false teaching that follow. It immediately frames the ensuing counsel as divinely mandated, not merely human advice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of this letter's writing, likely in the mid-60s AD, Timothy was serving in Ephesus, a prominent Roman provincial capital known for its temple to Artemis (Diana) and a diverse, often syncretistic, religious environment. This setting presented unique challenges for the nascent Christian community, including the infiltration of false teachers propagating asceticism, mythical genealogies, and legalistic practices (cf. [1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "1 Timothy 1:3-7 - Warnings Against False Doctrine")). Paul's emphasis on his divine "commandment" and the identity of "God our Saviour" and "Lord Jesus Christ" directly counters any human-derived authority or alternative salvific claims prevalent in Ephesus, including the burgeoning imperial cult that elevated emperors to divine status. The letter aims to solidify orthodox teaching and establish proper church governance in a challenging cultural milieu.
* **Key Themes:** The opening verse immediately introduces several pivotal themes that permeate 1 Timothy. First, **Apostolic Authority** is paramount, with Paul asserting his commission "by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ." This divine mandate undergirds all his instructions regarding church order, doctrine, and conduct, reinforcing that his words carry the weight of God's will (cf. [1 Corinthians 14:37](/1_corinthians/14-37 "1 Corinthians 14:37 - Paul's Commands Are the Lord's Command")). Second, the theme of **God as Saviour** is introduced, highlighting God's active role in initiating and accomplishing salvation, a concept further developed in passages like [Titus 2:11](/titus/2-11 "Titus 2:11 - The Grace of God Has Appeared"). This title emphasizes God's redemptive purpose for humanity. Finally, **Jesus Christ as Hope** is powerfully declared, positioning Christ not merely as a historical figure or a teacher, but as the living, ultimate source of all Christian expectation, assurance, and future (cf. [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). This hope is certain and foundational, providing stability amidst the theological challenges Timothy faced.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **apostle (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** (G652) From *apostéllō* (to send forth), this term signifies a delegate, specifically an ambassador of the Gospel, or officially a commissioner of Christ with miraculous powers. Paul consistently uses this title to assert the divine origin and authority of his mission, emphasizing that he was "sent" by God and Christ, not by human appointment or will. This underscores the authoritative nature of his message and the instructions that follow.
* **commandment (Greek, _epitagḗ'_):** (G2003) Derived from *epitássō* (to enjoin), this word denotes an injunction or decree, implying authoritativeness. Paul's apostleship is not a self-appointed role or a human enterprise, but a direct, authoritative mandate from God and Christ. This term highlights the divine imperative behind his ministry and the gospel he proclaims, lending absolute weight to his teachings.
* **hope (Greek, _elpís'_):: (G1680) From a primary root meaning "to anticipate, usually with pleasure," *elpís* refers to expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence. In the New Testament, "hope" is not a mere wish or uncertain desire, but a confident and certain expectation rooted in God's faithfulness and promises, particularly concerning the resurrection, eternal life, and Christ's return. Here, Jesus Christ Himself is the embodiment and object of this assured hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ":** This opening identifies the author, Paul, and immediately establishes his foundational identity and authority. His designation as "an apostle of Jesus Christ" signifies that his commission and message originate directly from Christ, not from human institutions or personal ambition. This claim to apostleship is crucial for the letter's authority, especially given its focus on church order and doctrine.
* **"by the commandment of God our Saviour":** Paul clarifies the source of his apostolic authority. It is not by human will or ecclesiastical appointment, but "by the commandment" (a direct, authoritative decree) of God. The title "God our Saviour" emphasizes God's initiative, purpose, and active role in providing salvation for humanity, setting the theological stage for the letter's emphasis on grace and redemption.
* **"and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;":** This clause further specifies the dual source of Paul's commission—God and "Lord Jesus Christ." The inclusion of "Lord" (Kyrios) asserts Christ's divine sovereignty and authority. The concluding phrase, "which is our hope," powerfully declares Jesus Christ as the central object and embodiment of the believer's confident expectation and assurance. He is the living source of all Christian confidence for both the present and the future, the anchor of faith in a turbulent world.

#### Literary Devices
The opening verse of 1 Timothy employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Epistolary Salutation**, a conventional opening in ancient letters that identifies the sender and recipient, but here it is infused with profound theological meaning. Paul's self-identification as "an apostle of Jesus Christ" immediately establishes his **Apostolic Authority**, a recurring theme in his epistles, serving as a foundational claim for the divine origin of his message. The phrase "by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ" utilizes **Parallelism** to link God the Father and God the Son as co-equal sources of Paul's divine commission, underscoring their unified will in salvation. Finally, the declaration "[which is] our hope" functions as a powerful **Theological Declaration** and a succinct **Confession of Faith**, succinctly stating the core of Christian eschatological expectation and placing Jesus Christ at its very center.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Timothy 1:1 lays the theological groundwork for the entire letter, asserting the divine origin of the Christian faith and the supreme authority of God and Christ. By identifying God as "our Saviour" and Jesus Christ as "our hope," Paul establishes a robust framework for understanding salvation as a work initiated and completed by the Triune God. This foundational truth counters any human-centered or legalistic attempts at righteousness, emphasizing that salvation is a gift received through faith in Christ. The verse also underscores the certainty of Christian hope, which is not a mere wish but a confident expectation rooted in the person and work of Jesus, providing an unshakeable anchor for believers in all circumstances. This theological bedrock empowers Timothy to confront false teachings and faithfully shepherd the church, knowing that his ministry is aligned with God's eternal purposes.

* [Titus 1:3](/titus/1-3 "Titus 1:3 - God's Command and Our Savior")
* [Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")
* [Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 1:1 offers profound truths for contemporary believers, reminding us of the divine foundation of our faith and the ultimate source of our hope. In a world constantly shifting and offering fleeting promises, this verse calls us to anchor our lives in the unchanging character and sovereign will of God our Saviour and the steadfast person of Jesus Christ, who is our hope. It challenges us to examine the source of our own convictions: are they rooted in human wisdom or divine revelation? Furthermore, recognizing Paul's divinely given authority should prompt us to receive the apostolic teachings, including those found in this letter concerning church order and sound doctrine, with humility and obedience. Our salvation is not a self-achieved feat but a gracious act of God, and our future is securely held in Christ, providing unshakeable confidence for living faithfully today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Paul's "commandment" from God and Christ influence your perception of the authority of Scripture and the teachings found in the New Testament?**
* **In what ways does recognizing God as "our Saviour" deepen your appreciation for the grace and initiative behind your salvation?**
* **How does placing your "hope" squarely in "Lord Jesus Christ" provide stability and confidence in the face of life's uncertainties or worldly disappointments?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul emphasize his apostleship in the opening verse?**

Answer: Paul's emphasis on his apostleship in [1 Timothy 1:1](/1_timothy/1-1 "1 Timothy 1:1 - Paul's Apostolic Salutation") is crucial for establishing the divine authority of his message. As an apostle, Paul was a direct emissary of Jesus Christ, commissioned by God Himself. This was particularly important for Timothy's ministry in Ephesus, where false teachers were challenging orthodox doctrine and undermining the church's stability. By asserting his divine mandate, Paul ensures that the instructions and warnings he provides throughout the letter are received not as mere human advice, but as authoritative revelations from God, essential for the health and order of the church. This divine commission is also highlighted in other Pauline epistles, such as [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a Servant and Apostle").

**What does it mean for Jesus Christ to be "our hope"?**

Answer: For Jesus Christ to be "our hope" (as stated in [1 Timothy 1:1](/1_timothy/1-1 "1 Timothy 1:1 - Jesus, Our Hope")) signifies that He is the ultimate, certain, and living object of the Christian's confident expectation. In the New Testament, "hope" is not a wishful desire but a firm assurance based on God's faithfulness and promises. Jesus Christ embodies this hope because through His death and resurrection, He secured eternal life and reconciliation with God for believers. He is the guarantee of future glory, the promise of His return, and the source of steadfast confidence in the present. This hope provides an anchor for the soul, as described in [Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor"), enabling believers to persevere through trials with an assured future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Timothy 1:1, though a salutation, is profoundly Christ-centered, immediately identifying Jesus Christ as both the source of Paul's apostolic authority and the very embodiment of the believer's hope. Paul's commission comes "by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ," underscoring the unified divine will in sending Christ and in establishing His messengers. This highlights Christ's preeminence and active role in salvation history, not merely as a historical figure but as the sovereign "Lord" who commands and empowers His servants. Furthermore, the declaration that Jesus Christ "is our hope" points directly to His person and work as the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises. He is the one in whom all eschatological expectations converge, the "hope of glory" revealed to the Gentiles ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, Christ has secured the believer's future, making Him the living, certain, and unshakeable foundation of all Christian assurance, both for this life and the life to come ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - The Blessed Hope and Appearing of Jesus Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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,