Strengthened by GraceУзор

Paul to Timothy

Paul opens his letter to Timothy by identifying himself as an apostle. Not to boast in his status but to explain his call. He has been given authority by God and the subsequent responsibility to proclaim and protect the gospel. The official title of “apostle” was given to a select few chosen by God and appointed by Jesus Christ.

Paul’s love for Christ, his call, and his commissioning all define his relationship with Timothy. Timothy was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. Scholars believe that he heard the gospel and came to Christ in his late teens or early twenties when Paul came through Derbe and Lystra on his first missionary journey. Timothy then joined Paul during one of Paul’s later missionary journeys. He eventually became a pastor and received two of the three pastoral epistles in the New Testament. Both epistles bear his name. This letter is intensely personal and intimate. Note that Paul addresses Timothy as his beloved child; it is written to someone near and dear to his heart, a faithful partner in the gospel, and a cherished disciple.

Paul ends his salutation to Timothy with "Grace, mercy, and peace” (2 Tm. 1:2 ESV). These words are bestowed upon Timothy from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and speak of deliverance from desperation and being brought the glorious hope we have in Christ. Consider the great gifts of the gospel that have been given to you as well, and be encouraged. Strong’s Concordance helps us understand the Greek meanings of grace, mercy, and peace:

• Grace: charis. The merciful lovingkindness of God, who exerts his holy influence upon the hearts of His children, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, and increases their faith and knowledge, and kindles their affection and desire to follow Him.
• Mercy: eleos. God’s compassion, kindness, and goodwill towards the weak, miserable, and afflicted, which is joined with a desire to help. He applies the penalty of their sin to His Son, providing a way of salvation for them.
• Peace: eirene. Christ is the way that leads to peace (salvation) with God. Also, the quiet and state of mind and heart of one whose salvation has been brought through Christ, no longer having to fear punishment from God, they can be content with their lot in life.

Ponder these truths. Write a brief prayer asking the Lord to help you live in light of the grace, mercy, and peace God has granted to you in Christ.