2 Timothy 1:9

KJV

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3588} hath saved {G4982} us {G2248}, and {G2532} called {G2564} us with an holy {G40} calling {G2821}, not {G3756} according to {G2596} our {G2257} works {G2041}, but {G235} according to {G2596} his own {G2398} purpose {G4286} and {G2532} grace {G5485}, which {G3588} was given {G1325} us {G2254} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} before {G4253} the world began {G5550}{G166},

Complete Jewish Bible

since he delivered us and called us to a life of holiness as his people. It was not because of our deeds, but because of his own purpose and the grace which he gave to us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua. He did this before the beginning of time,

Berean Standard Bible

He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.

American Standard Version

who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Timothy 1:9 stands as a profound declaration of God's sovereign initiative in salvation and calling, asserting that believers are saved and summoned to a holy life not by human merit or effort, but solely by God's eternal purpose and unmerited grace, a plan conceived and established in Christ Jesus before the dawn of creation. This verse serves as a bedrock of assurance for Timothy and all believers, grounding their confidence and perseverance in the unchanging character and redemptive design of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in Paul's second letter to Timothy, his spiritual son and a young leader in the early church. Paul, writing from Roman imprisonment and facing imminent death, is encouraging Timothy to remain steadfast amidst growing apostasy and personal hardship. The immediate preceding verse, [2 Timothy 1:8](/2_timothy/1-8 "2 Timothy 1:8 - Not Ashamed of the Gospel"), exhorts Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord or of Paul, His prisoner, but to join in suffering for the gospel. Verse 9 then provides the deep theological foundation for this courageous endurance: Timothy's (and Paul's, and all believers') ability to stand firm is rooted not in their own strength or worthiness, but in God's prior, eternal, and gracious work. It shifts the focus from human responsibility to divine enablement, providing the ultimate motivation for faithfulness. The subsequent verses continue to elaborate on the gospel's power and Paul's role as its herald, reinforcing the call to guard the deposit of faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to Timothy is written during a tumultuous period for the early church, likely around 66-67 AD, just before Paul's martyrdom under Emperor Nero. Christians faced increasing persecution and societal pressure to conform to Roman religious and cultural norms. Within the church, false teachings were emerging, challenging the purity of the gospel and undermining the apostolic message. The emphasis on "works" versus "grace" in this verse directly confronts prevailing human tendencies, both within Judaism (where adherence to the Law was central) and paganism (where appeasing deities often involved ritualistic acts or sacrifices). Paul's declaration that salvation is "not according to our works" would have been counter-cultural, challenging the deeply ingrained human impulse to earn divine favor. The concept of a "calling" was also significant; in the Greco-Roman world, a calling could be a summons to a civic duty or a specific profession, but here it is a divine, sacred summons to a life set apart for God.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Timothy 1:9 powerfully encapsulates several central themes prevalent throughout Paul's epistles and the broader New Testament. It underscores the **Sovereignty of God in Salvation**, emphasizing that salvation is entirely God's initiative and work, a truth echoed in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). The verse also highlights the **Nature of the Christian Calling**, portraying it as "holy" and originating from God's own purpose, not human striving. This calling is not merely an invitation but an effectual summons to a life consecrated to God, reflecting the themes found in [Romans 8:28-30](/romans/8-28-30 "Romans 8:28-30 - God's Purpose and Calling"). Furthermore, it explicitly contrasts **Grace versus Works**, a foundational tenet of Pauline theology that distinguishes Christianity from all systems of human merit. This theological bedrock is consistently taught, for instance, in [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Not by Works of Righteousness"). Finally, the phrase "before the world began" introduces the theme of **God's Eternal Purpose and Predestination**, revealing that the divine plan for salvation in Christ was not an afterthought but was conceived in eternity past, a concept beautifully articulated in [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** This verb signifies deliverance, preservation, and making whole. In this context, it refers to spiritual rescue from sin, death, and God's wrath, bringing one into a state of spiritual wholeness and safety. It implies a complete and decisive act of God, not a partial or ongoing human effort.
* **calling (Greek, _klēsis'_):** More than a mere invitation, _klēsis_ denotes an effectual summons or a divine appointment. It implies that God's call is powerful and effective, drawing individuals out of darkness into His marvelous light and setting them apart for His sacred purposes. The addition of "holy" (G40, _hágios_) emphasizes the consecrated nature of this divine summons.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term is central to Christian theology, referring to God's unmerited favor, divine benevolence, and undeserved kindness freely bestowed upon humanity. It stands in direct contrast to "works," underscoring that salvation and calling are gifts from God, not something earned or deserved by human performance.
* **before the world began (Greek, _pró chrōnos aiṓnios'_):** This phrase, combining a preposition indicating "before" (_pró_), "time" (_chrónos_), and "perpetual/eternal" (_aiṓnios_), points to the pre-temporal, eternal nature of God's plan. It asserts that God's purpose and grace were not a reaction to human sin but were eternally established in Christ Jesus, demonstrating God's foreknowledge, sovereignty, and unchanging faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who hath saved us,"**: This opening clause immediately attributes salvation entirely to God. The perfect tense "hath saved" indicates a completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing the definitive and secure nature of God's work in bringing believers into a state of salvation. It is God's initiative, power, and will that brings about this deliverance.
* **"and called [us] with an holy calling,"**: Not only has God saved believers, but He has also issued an effectual summons to a life consecrated to Him. This "holy calling" implies a divine purpose and a set-apart lifestyle, distinct from the world's values and pursuits. It is a summons to participate in God's redemptive plan and live in conformity to His character.
* **"not according to our works,"**: This crucial negative assertion explicitly refutes any notion that human deeds, religious rituals, or moral performance contribute to or earn salvation or the divine calling. It serves as a stark contrast to human effort, dismantling any ground for boasting or self-righteousness.
* **"but according to his own purpose and grace,"**: In direct opposition to human works, salvation and calling are grounded solely in God's sovereign "purpose" (His predetermined plan or intention) and His unmerited "grace" (His undeserved favor). This highlights God's deliberate design and His benevolent disposition as the sole source of redemption.
* **"which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"**: This final clause reveals the eternal scope and security of God's plan. The purpose and grace were not an afterthought but were established in eternity past, "before the world began," through and in the person of Christ Jesus. This underscores God's foreknowledge, His unchanging faithfulness, and the centrality of Christ in His eternal redemptive design.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to convey his profound theological message. **Contrast** is a primary device, most evident in the stark juxtaposition of "not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace." This antithetical structure powerfully emphasizes that salvation is entirely a divine initiative, not a human achievement. The phrase "Who hath saved us, and called us" utilizes **Divine Passive Voice**, attributing the action directly to God without explicitly naming Him in the immediate clause, thereby maintaining focus on the divine agent. Furthermore, the phrase "before the world began" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Temporal Emphasis**, stretching the reader's imagination to grasp the eternal scope of God's plan, underscoring its timelessness and unchangeable nature. The entire verse serves as a concise **Credo** or statement of faith, summarizing core tenets of the gospel message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Timothy 1:9 is a theological powerhouse, articulating the bedrock truth of salvation by grace through faith, a central pillar of Pauline theology. It emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty in the redemptive process, from the initial act of saving to the ongoing purpose of calling believers to a holy life. This verse dismantles any human pride or self-reliance, redirecting all glory to God's eternal purpose and unmerited favor. The pre-temporal nature of this plan, "before the world began," highlights God's meticulous foreknowledge and unwavering commitment to His redemptive design, ensuring the security and certainty of the believer's standing in Christ. It provides immense comfort and assurance, grounding our identity and destiny not in our fleeting performance, but in the immutable character and eternal decree of God.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Titus 3:4-7](/titus/3-4-7 "Titus 3:4-7 - God's Kindness and Love Appeared")
* [Romans 8:28-30](/romans/8-28-30 "Romans 8:28-30 - God's Purpose and Calling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for Christian living. It liberates us from the exhausting and ultimately futile pursuit of earning God's favor through our own efforts. Knowing that our salvation and calling are rooted in God's eternal purpose and grace, established "before the world began" in Christ Jesus, provides an unshakable assurance that transcends our daily struggles and failures. This truth should cultivate a deep humility within us, recognizing that we are recipients of an unearned, magnificent gift. It simultaneously empowers us to live out our "holy calling" not as a means to salvation, but as a joyful and grateful response to the One who has already accomplished everything for us. Our perseverance in faith and ministry, like Timothy's, is sustained not by our strength, but by the unchanging faithfulness of the God who called us. This understanding fosters a spirit of worship, gratitude, and bold witness, knowing that our standing is secure in Christ, prompting us to live lives worthy of the high and holy calling we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that your salvation is "not according to your works" impact your daily walk with God and your sense of self-worth?**
* **What does it mean practically to live out a "holy calling" in your specific context, knowing it stems from God's purpose and grace?**
* **How does the eternal nature of God's purpose ("before the world began") strengthen your assurance and perseverance in times of doubt or difficulty?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "before the world began" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "before the world began" (Greek: _pró chrōnos aiṓnios_) emphasizes the eternal nature and pre-existence of God's redemptive plan. It signifies that God's purpose to save and call humanity was not an afterthought or a reaction to sin, but was conceived and established in eternity past, long before creation itself. This highlights God's sovereignty, foreknowledge, and the unchanging certainty of His divine will. It assures believers that their salvation is rooted in an eternal decree, making it utterly secure and independent of temporal circumstances or human performance. This concept is further explored in passages like [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World").

**How does this verse relate to the concept of free will?**

Answer: While 2 Timothy 1:9 strongly emphasizes God's sovereign initiative ("Who hath saved us... according to his own purpose and grace"), it does not negate human responsibility or the concept of free will. Instead, it frames human response within the context of divine enablement. God's saving act and holy calling are the foundational realities that make any human response possible and meaningful. The verse underscores that salvation is not *earned* by human choice or effort, but is a gift initiated by God. The New Testament consistently presents a tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, inviting individuals to respond in faith to the God who has already acted on their behalf.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Timothy 1:9 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the "Who" who "hath saved us," the very embodiment of God's eternal purpose and grace. The "holy calling" is made possible and given its content through His life, death, and resurrection, calling believers to share in His holiness and mission, as seen in [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy"). The declaration that salvation is "not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace" finds its clearest expression in Christ's atoning sacrifice, which perfectly satisfied divine justice and merited salvation for all who believe, as articulated in [Romans 3:23-26](/romans/3-23-26 "Romans 3:23-26 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ"). Most profoundly, the phrase "which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" reveals that Christ is not merely the means of salvation, but the very object and eternal foundation of God's redemptive plan. He is the Lamb "slain from the foundation of the world" ([Revelation 13:8](/revelation/13-8 "Revelation 13:8 - The Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World")), the One in whom God's eternal purpose was eternally purposed and through whom all grace flows. Thus, every aspect of our salvation and calling is inextricably linked to and fully realized in Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega of God's saving design ([Revelation 1:8](/revelation/1-8 "Revelation 1:8 - Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega")).

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

Ephesians 2:8

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

Ephesians 2:9

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:4

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

Ephesians 1:4

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

1 Peter 2:20

For what glory [is it], if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer [for it], ye take it patiently, this [is] acceptable with God.