§ 1 Salutation ( 2 Tim. 1:1–2 )
After the long elaboration in the salutation to Titus (see disc. on Titus 1:1–4), Paul reverts to a more standard, brief form in this final letter to Timothy. Indeed, except for some slight modifications, these two verses are nearly identical to 1 Timothy 1:1–2. However, as in all his letters, these “slight” modifications reflect nuances of his changed circumstances and of his concerns in this letter.
1:1 / It may seem somewhat surprising to us that Paul in such a personal letter should style himself an apostle of Christ Jesus. His reason for doing so probably differs slightly from 1 Timothy 1:1 (which see). There, it was to lend authority both to the letter and to Timothy. Here it may simply be habit; more likely, however, it reflects the urgent appeal found throughout the letter for loyalty to Paul and his gospel. Because the concern is not now to establish Timothy’s own authority, Paul also reverts to his more common by the will of God (cf. 1 and 2 Corinthians, Colossians, Ephesians), in lieu of “by order of God” in 1 Timothy. Apostleship, even for one who must suffer for it, is only and always by the will of God.
The next modifier, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, is the one major difference from the salutation in 1 Timothy. In part this reflects the language of the “faithful saying” in 1 Timothy 4:8. It is not at all surprising, given the nature of this letter with its more intensified eschatological outlook, that Paul should reflect on his apostleship in such eschatological terms at the outset. The promise of life is that which is “for the future” in 1 Timothy 4:8; but it is also ours in the present as we participate in the life that is in Christ Jesus. As with the resurrection and the Holy Spirit, present participation in life … in Christ is the “first fruit” (1 Cor. 15:20) or “down payment” (Eph. 1:14) of the promised fullness of life that is yet to be.
1:2 / This verse exactly parallels 1 Timothy 1:2, except that dear son replaces “my true son in the faith.” Again, this reflects the altered circumstances. This letter is not for the church in Ephesus; hence no need exists to legitimatize Timothy before them. Timothy is now my dear (or “beloved”) son, as he has always been for Paul (see 1 Cor. 4:17). The appeal to these close ties will become a large part of this letter.
For the other matters in this verse, see the discussion on 1 Timothy 1:2.
1:1 / The force of the words “that is in Christ Jesus,” has been blunted by the NEB to say, “whose promise of life is fulfilled in Christ Jesus,” and by Easton, et al., to say, “given by Christ Jesus.” See Barrett for a proper critique of the NEB and Kelly for a critique of Easton.