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,

KJV (with Strong's)

Paul {G3972}, an apostle {G652} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} by {G1223} the will {G2307} of God {G2316}, according to {G2596} the promise {G1860} of life {G2222} which {G3588} is in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424},

Complete Jewish Bible

From: Sha’ul, an emissary of the Messiah Yeshua by God’s will, which holds forth a promise of life through being united with Messiah Yeshua

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Timothy 1:1 serves as a foundational declaration of the Apostle Paul's divine commission and the essence of the gospel message he proclaims. It establishes his authority as an apostle, not by human design but by the sovereign will of God, and immediately introduces the central theme of the letter: the promise of eternal life, which is exclusively found and secured in Christ Jesus. This opening sets a tone of divine authority and profound hope, preparing Timothy for the exhortations to faithfulness and perseverance that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates Paul's deeply personal and final letter to his beloved disciple, Timothy. Following the standard epistolary opening of the Greco-Roman world, Paul immediately identifies himself and his authority, grounding his subsequent instructions and appeals in a divine mandate. The salutation here is more expansive than some of Paul's other letters, emphasizing the source of his apostleship ("by the will of God") and the substance of his message ("according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus"). This comprehensive introduction prepares Timothy for the weighty themes of steadfastness in ministry, guarding the gospel, and enduring suffering that permeate the rest of the epistle. It is a poignant farewell from a spiritual father to his son, imbued with theological depth from its very first words.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written during Paul's second, and likely final, imprisonment in Rome (circa A.D. 66-67), 2 Timothy is a testament to the apostle's unwavering faith in the face of imminent martyrdom. The historical backdrop is one of increasing persecution for Christians under Emperor Nero, coupled with the rise of false teachings and spiritual apathy within the church. Paul, aware of his impending death, writes to Timothy, who is serving as a leader in Ephesus, a city grappling with these challenges. In this context, Paul's assertion of his divine calling and the unshakeable promise of life in Christ serves as a powerful anchor for Timothy, who might be tempted to waver or become discouraged. The cultural understanding of "apostle" (one sent with authority) would have lent significant weight to Paul's words, underscoring the divine origin of the message he was entrusting to Timothy.

* **Key Themes:** The opening verse immediately introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the entire letter and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, **Apostolic Authority and Divine Sovereignty** are paramount, as Paul's commission is "by the will of God," not human appointment. This divine origin undergirds all his teachings and commands, particularly as he urges Timothy to "guard the good deposit entrusted to you" ([2 Timothy 1:14](/2_timothy/1-14 "2 Timothy 1:14 - Guarding the Good Deposit")). Secondly, the **Promise of Life** is central, highlighting the eschatological hope of the gospel. This promise of eternal life in Christ stands in stark contrast to the temporal suffering Paul is enduring and the spiritual dangers Timothy faces, offering a powerful motivation for perseverance. This theme is further developed as Paul speaks of God "who saved us and called us to a holy calling... by the grace given us in Christ Jesus before the ages began" ([2 Timothy 1:9](/2_timothy/1-9 "2 Timothy 1:9 - God's Purpose and Grace")). Finally, the phrase **"in Christ Jesus"** underscores the absolute centrality of Christ to all salvation and spiritual blessing, a foundational Pauline concept that emphasizes union with Christ as the source of all spiritual reality, including the promised life. This echoes Paul's consistent emphasis on Christ as the source of all spiritual blessings, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Apostle (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** From G652, meaning "a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ." Paul uses this term to assert his unique, divinely appointed status as one "sent forth" directly by Christ with a specific mission and authority to proclaim the gospel. This is not a self-proclaimed title but a recognition of his direct commission, which lends ultimate weight to his message.
* **Will (Greek, _thélēma'_):** From G2307, denoting "a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition)." When Paul states he is an apostle "by the will of God," he emphasizes that his calling and ministry are not accidental or humanly contrived, but originate from the sovereign purpose and deliberate choice of God Himself. This underscores the divine authority behind his apostleship.
* **Promise (Greek, _epangelía'_):** From G1860, meaning "an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)." This word signifies a divine guarantee or pledge. The "promise of life" is therefore not a mere possibility or hope, but a certain, divinely assured reality for those "in Christ Jesus," highlighting the reliability and trustworthiness of God's word concerning eternal salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ":** This opening identifies the author and immediately establishes his authoritative role. Paul's apostleship is not self-appointed but is directly tied to Jesus Christ, indicating that his message and mission are derived from and authorized by the resurrected Lord. This sets the foundation for the divine weight of the letter's contents.
* **"by the will of God,":** This phrase clarifies the ultimate source of Paul's apostleship. His calling is rooted in the sovereign, deliberate purpose and decree of God. This divine origin underscores the legitimacy and spiritual authority of Paul's ministry, reinforcing that his work is part of God's overarching plan for salvation.
* **"according to the promise of life":** This clause introduces the core content and purpose of Paul's apostolic mission. His apostleship is not merely about proclaiming rules or doctrines, but about announcing a specific, divinely guaranteed "promise"—the promise of life. This "life" is not merely physical existence but spiritual and eternal life, a central gift of the gospel.
* **"which is in Christ Jesus,":** This crucial phrase specifies the exclusive locus and means by which this "promise of life" is realized. The eternal life promised by God is not an abstract concept or universally available, but is concretely and exclusively found "in union with" Christ Jesus. This highlights the indispensable role of Christ as the mediator and source of salvation and all spiritual blessings.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Apostolic Salutation**, a standard feature of Paul's letters, which immediately identifies the author and his divinely appointed authority. This salutation functions not merely as an introduction but as a **Theological Declaration**, succinctly encapsulating Paul's identity, the source of his authority, and the core message of the gospel—the promise of life in Christ. The use of **Prepositional Phrases** ("by the will of God," "according to the promise," "in Christ Jesus") is highly effective, precisely defining the relationships and dependencies within Paul's calling and the gospel message. These phrases act as theological anchors, clarifying the divine origin, the nature of the message, and the exclusive means of its realization. Furthermore, the subtle **Emphasis** on "Christ Jesus" (appearing twice, once as "Jesus Christ" and then "Christ Jesus") underscores the absolute centrality of Jesus to Paul's identity, his mission, and the very essence of the "promise of life." This repetition reinforces the Christ-centered nature of Paul's theology from the outset.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Timothy 1:1 encapsulates profound theological truths that resonate throughout the New Testament. It asserts that true ministry and spiritual authority are not self-derived but are rooted in God's sovereign will and purpose. The "promise of life" points to the eschatological hope inherent in the gospel—eternal life through Christ's redemptive work, a life that transcends physical death and earthly suffering. This life is not earned but is a gift, accessed solely through union with Christ Jesus. This concept of being "in Christ" is foundational to Pauline theology, signifying a spiritual reality where believers are identified with Christ in His death, resurrection, and new life, receiving all the blessings of salvation through Him. The verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of God's initiative in salvation, the certainty of His promises, and the absolute necessity of Christ for experiencing true, eternal life.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")
* [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - The Promise of Eternal Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Timothy 1:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Paul's unwavering conviction that his apostleship was "by the will of God" reminds us that our own callings, whether in ministry or daily life, are not accidental but are part of God's deliberate and sovereign plan. This understanding provides immense peace and purpose, especially when facing challenges or uncertainties. It encourages us to seek God's will in our lives, trusting that He has uniquely equipped us for the good works He has prepared in advance. Furthermore, the "promise of life which is in Christ Jesus" serves as an anchor for our souls. In a world fraught with fleeting pleasures, anxieties, and the certainty of death, this verse redirects our gaze to the eternal, secure hope found exclusively in Christ. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual life over temporal gains, and finding our ultimate identity and security in our union with Him. This truth should ignite a passion within us to share this life-giving promise with others, knowing that only in Christ can true and lasting life be found.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your own calling as "by the will of God" impact your sense of purpose and peace in daily life?**
* **In what ways does the "promise of life which is in Christ Jesus" provide hope and stability in the face of life's challenges or uncertainties?**
* **How can you more intentionally live out the reality that all true life and blessing are found "in Christ Jesus" in your thoughts, words, and actions?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for Paul to be an "apostle by the will of God"?**

Answer: For Paul to be an "apostle by the will of God" means that his calling, authority, and mission as an apostle were not self-appointed, nor were they conferred by human institutions or desires. Instead, his apostleship originated directly from the sovereign purpose, deliberate choice, and divine decree of God himself. This emphasizes the divine legitimacy and authority behind Paul's ministry and the message he proclaimed, underscoring that his work was part of God's overarching plan for salvation. This divine commissioning is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, as seen in [Galatians 1:1](/galatians/1-1 "Galatians 1:1 - Paul, an Apostle Not from Men").

**What is the "promise of life" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "promise of life" refers to the certainty of eternal life that God has pledged to humanity through Jesus Christ. This is not merely physical existence, but a spiritual, abundant, and everlasting life that begins in the present through faith and culminates in the resurrection and eternal fellowship with God. It stands in contrast to spiritual death and the perishable nature of earthly life. This promise is a central component of the gospel message, offering hope and assurance to believers. It is a divine assurance, a guaranteed reality, as further elaborated in [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "Titus 1:2 - The Promise of Eternal Life Before Time Began").

**Why is it significant that this promise of life is "in Christ Jesus"?**

Answer: The phrase "in Christ Jesus" is profoundly significant because it highlights the exclusive and indispensable means by which the promise of life is realized. It means that eternal life is not a general spiritual concept available to all apart from Christ, but is specifically and only found through a personal, spiritual union with Him. All spiritual blessings, including salvation, redemption, and eternal life, are mediated through Christ. This emphasizes the centrality of Jesus as the sole source and conduit of God's life-giving grace, a concept foundational to Paul's theology, echoing the truth found in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Timothy 1:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, as He is the very embodiment and guarantor of the "promise of life." Paul's apostleship, "by the will of God," was specifically commissioned to proclaim this life-giving gospel, a gospel centered entirely on Christ. The "promise of life" is not a vague hope but a concrete reality secured through Christ's atoning death and victorious resurrection. He is the one who "abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" ([2 Timothy 1:10](/2_timothy/1-10 "2 Timothy 1:10 - Christ Abolished Death")). Furthermore, the phrase "which is in Christ Jesus" points to the profound theological truth that all spiritual blessings, including eternal life, flow from our union with Him. As believers, we are "in Christ," meaning we are identified with His death to sin and His resurrection to new life, becoming partakers of His divine nature ([2 Peter 1:4](/2_peter/1-4 "2 Peter 1:4 - Partakers of the Divine Nature")). He is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and it is through His perfect obedience and sacrifice that God's promise of eternal life is made available to all who believe. Thus, this opening verse of 2 Timothy powerfully directs our gaze to Christ as the source, substance, and surety of our eternal hope.

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

Hebrews 9:15

¶ And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

2 Corinthians 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:

1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:13

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: