1 Timothy 1:1,2

Greetings

As in most of the letters of the first century, Paul opens by introducing himself. He probably identifies himself as an apostle to stress that this is not just a personal letter but one intended to further the cause of Christ at God's direction, or commandment. One record of God's commandment to Paul can be found in Acts 26:16-18. He was to carry forth the word of God, who sent his Son to save the world from sin (John 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:19). That Son is both Lord, or master; Jesus, or the one who would save his people from their sins; and Christ, or God's anointed king. Certainly, he is also the source of our hope (1 Timothy 1:1; Romans 5:1-2).

Timothy can be described as Paul's true child in the faith because there was nothing fake about his conversion. Paul was not ashamed to commend this loyal soldier of Christ to the churches (1 Peter 2:19-24; 1 Corinthians 16:10-11). The word grace was a form of the Greek greeting, while peace was the Hebrew greeting. In the Christian context, they are especially meaningful since we are saved by God's grace and that brings a special inner peace to our lives. Without God's mercy, we could not be saved since we were rebellious sinners with no means of saving ourselves (1 Timothy 1:2; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1 Peter 4:7).