“To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (1 Timothy 1:2 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul had many companions in ministry. All of his epistles, to not only churches but also individuals, mentions many men and women who faithfully served alongside him in the Gospel ministry. However, there were only two individuals who the Apostle Paul referred to as his spiritual children. Titus was one (Titus 1:4) and Timothy was the other (2 Tim. 1:2; 2:1).
In today’s text, Paul referred to Timothy as “my true child in the faith.” The word true (γνησίῳ; gnesio) means genuine and sincere. Child (τέκνῳ; tekno) refers to a young son or daughter (Mark 13:12, Luke 1:7, Acts 7:5; See also Mat.t 7:11, Mark 7:27, Luke 1:17, Eph 6:1, al.; τέκνα).[1] Faith (πίστει; pistei) means one who is trustworthy, committed, dependable and honorable. This is a corresponding result of Timothy’s trust, commitment, dependence and worship of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:21-26; Eph. 2:1-9).
“Only Timothy (2 Tim. 1:2; 2:1) and Titus (Titus 1:4) received this special expression of Paul’s favor. “Child” emphasizes Paul’s role as spiritual father to Timothy. “True” speaks of the genuineness of Timothy’s faith (cf. 2 Tim. 1:5). Timothy was Paul’s most cherished pupil, and protégé (1 Cor. 4:17; Phil. 2:19–22).,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
“Apostolic authority and tender love are beautifully blended, for the apostle of Jesus Christ calls the addressee ‘Timothy (my) genuine child in faith.’ Timothy was Paul’s child because it was to the apostle as a means of God’s hand that he owed his spiritual life (I Cor. 4:15; Gal. 4:19),” explains Dr. William Hendrikson.2
Paul’s familiar greeting follows. “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” These wonderful words appear in all of the apostle’s epistles.
Grace (χάρις; charis) means unmerited favor. It is a predominant term in Paul’s theology (Rom. 5:1-2, 20; 6:14; 11:6; I Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 9:8; 12:9; Gal. 2:21; Eph. 2:5,8; 2 Tim. 2:1; Titus 2:11; 3:7). It is God giving sinners what we do not deserve; salvation from the penalty, power and eventual presence of sin. The underlying truth of the believer’s justification, redemption, and reconciliation is by grace alone, through God given faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.
Mercy (ἔλεος; eleos) means to have pity and compassion. Nowhere, except in his two letters to Timothy, does Paul insert the noun mercy. Since grace is God giving sinners what we do not deserve; salvation, then mercy is God “not” giving sinner what we do deserve; judgment.
The logical result of God’s grace and mercy is peace (εἰρήνη; eirene). Peace is harmony and reconciliation between humans and before God.
This triad of grace, mercy and peace is solely originating from and given by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The phrase God the Father refers to His transcendence and immanence. Christ Jesus our Lord is a statement of deity.
John Calvin states, “While Paul claims for himself the appellation of father, he does it in such a manner as not to take away or diminish the smallest portion of the honor which is due to God. (Hebrews 12:9.) It is a common proverb “That which is placed below another is not at variance with it.” The name father, applied to Paul, with reference to God, belongs to this class. God alone is the Father of all in faith, because he regenerates us all by his word, and by the power of his Spirit, and because none but he bestows faith. But they whom he is graciously pleased to employ as his ministers for that purpose, are likewise allowed to share with him in his honor, while, at the same time, He parts with nothing that belongs to himself. Thus God, and God alone, strictly speaking, was Timothy’s spiritual Father; but Paul, who was God’s minister in begetting Timothy, lays claim to this title, by what may be called a subordinate right.”
Are you a true child of the faith? Do you have individuals in your life in which you regard them as such?
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1922), 441.
2William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 53.
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