Affiliation. 1 Timothy 1:1-2
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope. To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Dear Labourers in God’s Harvest,
We begin our meditations today in Paul’s first letter to Timothy. Paul most probably wrote after the events in the book of acts. Timothy was in Ephesus but we do not know where Paul was – on a missionary journey, most likely.
Special Sender (v. 1). As in all his letters, Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus. He is a messenger of the gospel,_Chosen_ by Christ Jesus to represent him and therefore able to speak with authority on Christ’s behalf and Commanded by God and Christ Jesus. That Paul mentions this to Timothy is not for Timothy’s benefit. Timothy knew Paul very well. But this letter would most likely be read to the church in Ephesus. Paul wants to remind them that his business in the gospel is by divine command. It is interesting that in this letter Paul refers to God as our Saviour and Christ Jesus as our hope. This communicates the lack of demarcations between members of the Trinity and affirms their unity and cooperation in the work of salvation.
Special Son (v. 2). That Paul is Timothy’s spiritual son is not in doubt. Emphasizing it here is an expression of affection and endearment. Paul wishes Timothy grace, the usual Greek greeting but now with the unique reference to the favor of God by which we are saved; mercy, which Paul does not routinely use in his greetings and is probably indicative of something on his mind and which he intends to talk about; and peace, the usual Hebrew/Jewish greeting, now in the context of “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
These are from the Father and from Christ. Paul’s constant reference of both together shows his understanding of their affiliation. How do you identify yourself to others? How do you address them? Your relationship with them is reflected in that address.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.