Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul doesn't just become an apostle; he's appointed by a direct command from God himself. Notice how he pairs God as "Savior" with Jesus as "hope" – the ultimate rescue plan and the certainty of its fulfillment are bound together right from the start. This isn't a casual job offer; it's a divine commission rooted in God's saving power and Jesus's promised return.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to Timothy, a young leader he discipled, to give him instructions on how to handle false teachings that were arising in the church at Ephesus. This opening verse establishes Paul's authority as an apostle, which is crucial because he's about to give Timothy directives and warnings about sound doctrine and the conduct of believers. The letter continues with Paul detailing the specific false teachings and emphasizing the importance of love, a clear conscience, and faith that springs from a pure heart.
Ever felt like you were put in a certain place or role by a higher power? Paul opens his letter with a powerful declaration about his authority.
A Direct Commission
Paul doesn't say he chose to be an apostle, or that he was elected by a group. He states it plainly: "by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope." This wasn't a career move; it was a divine appointment.
The Source of His Strength
Understanding this origin is key to grasping Paul's boldness. When he writes, corrects, or challenges, he's not speaking his own opinions. He's relaying a message given to him directly by God, who saves, and Christ Jesus, in whom all our hope rests.
Paul packs so much theology into just a few introductory words. What's the significance of how he describes God and Jesus here?
The Divine Identity
Paul calls God "our Savior." This immediately points to God's active role in rescuing humanity from sin and its consequences. It's a reminder of God's initiative in salvation.
The Ultimate Object of Trust
Then, he calls Christ Jesus "our hope." This is profound! Jesus isn't just a deliverer; He is the very of our hope for the future – for eternal life, for God's kingdom, and for present strength.
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Unified Mission
By linking them so closely – God the Savior and Jesus the Hope – Paul emphasizes their unified mission in bringing about our salvation and securing our future.
Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
One sent with a commission or delegated authority, specifically referring to those appointed directly by Christ as official representatives and authoritative witnesses of the Gospel.
sōtēr · Greek Noun
The title applied to God emphasizing His role as the One who rescues or delivers humanity from the consequences of sin, judgment, and eternal separation from Him.
elpis · Greek Noun
In the New Testament, this refers to the confident, joyful expectation of the fulfillment of God's promises, rooted specifically in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
This letter, written near the end of Paul's life, emphasizes his divinely appointed apostleship and his foundational role in the spread of the Gospel, grounding his authority in God Himself.
c. AD 33-36
Saul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus
Saul, a fierce persecutor of early Christians, encounters the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. This dramatic event transforms him into Paul, a devoted follower and future apostle.
c. AD 46-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, alongside Barnabas, embarks on his first extensive missionary journey, establishing churches in Asia Minor and facing significant opposition. This marks the beginning of his extensive ministry to the Gentiles.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, founding churches in cities like Philippi and Corinth. He writes his first epistles, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, during this period.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends an extended period in Ephesus, ministering and dealing with various challenges. He writes significant letters such as 1 Corinthians and Romans during his travels.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's First Imprisonment in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial before Caesar. Despite his confinement, he continues to write letters, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
c. AD 64-67— this verse
Paul's Final Imprisonment and Execution
Following a period of renewed ministry after his release, Paul is arrested again and imprisoned in Rome. Tradition holds he was martyred during Nero's persecution.
This passage directly echoes Paul's calling, showing God had chosen him as a minister to Gentiles, mirroring the 'command of God' mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:1.
Galatians 1:1Paul emphasizes his apostleship coming 'not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father,' reinforcing the divine authority behind his commission.
Colossians 1:1Similar to 1 Timothy, Paul identifies himself as an apostle 'by the will of God,' highlighting that his mission was not self-appointed but ordained by God.
Titus 1:1This verse also starts with Paul declaring his apostleship 'by the command of God our Savior,' underscoring the consistent theme of divine authorization for his ministry.
Paul doesn't just become an apostle; he's appointed by a direct command from God himself. Notice how he pairs God as "Savior" with Jesus as "hope" – the ultimate rescue plan and the certainty of its fulfillment are bound together right from the start. This isn't a casual job offer; it's a divine commission rooted in God's saving power and Jesus's promised return.
Paul is writing to Timothy, a young leader he discipled, to give him instructions on how to handle false teachings that were arising in the church at Ephesus. This opening verse establishes Paul's authority as an apostle, which is crucial because he's about to give Timothy directives and warnings about sound doctrine and the conduct of believers. The letter continues with Paul detailing the specific false teachings and emphasizing the importance of love, a clear conscience, and faith that springs from a pure heart.
Paul is writing to Timothy, a young leader he discipled, to give him instructions on how to handle false teachings that were arising in the church at Ephesus. This opening verse establishes Paul's authority as an apostle, which is crucial because he's about to give Timothy directives and warnings about sound doctrine and the conduct of believers. The letter continues with Paul detailing the specific false teachings and emphasizing the importance of love, a clear conscience, and faith that springs from a pure heart.
"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope," — Paul doesn't just become an apostle; he's appointed by a direct command from God himself. Notice how he pairs God as "Savior" with Jesus as "hope" – the ultimate rescue plan and the certainty of…
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Last reviewed October 2026