5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (1 Timothy 2:5–7 (ESV)
In today’s text, the Apostle Paul inserted another autobiographical section in his letter to Timothy. He previously drew personal application in the importance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto salvation (1:12-17). He now stressed the importance of his proclamation of the same Gospel.
The apostle declared the biblical truths of one God and one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ, Paul then acknowledged God’s divine appointment in sovereignly calling him, the former persecutor of Christ, to be a preacher, apostle, and teacher on behalf of Christ.
To be appointed (ἐτέθην; etethen) means to be placed in a location or to be entrusted with a responsibility. This appointment was an active work of God upon Paul. It was a divine appointment. It was not something Paul sought, but rather a calling God bestowed (2 Tim. 1:11; 2 Peter 2:5).
“In order that God’s plan for the salvation of men from every tribe and nation (not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles) might be carried out, Paul had been divinely appointed. He was no usurper, no claimer of authority which was not his by right. He had not forced his way to the front, but had been called to office by no one less than God himself. Moreover, he was God’s chosen vessel “to bear (Christ’s) name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel” (not only before the children of Israel, but also—yes especially—before the Gentiles and kings). He was to be a witness to “all men.” He was sent to the Gentiles to open their eyes, that they might receive remission of sins and an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in Christ. All this is plainly stated in Acts 9:15; 22:15, 21; 26:17, 18,” states Dr. William Hendriksen.[1]
God appointed Paul to be a preacher. A preacher (κῆρυξ; keryx) is a herald or proclaimer. God entrusted Paul with the good news of the Gospel.
“In the ancient world a “herald” was the person who by order of a superior made a loud, public announcement. Thus, in public games it was his function to announce the name and country of each competitor, and also the name, country, and father of the victor. That is the very heart of “preaching,” that is, of “heralding.” Rebels—for sin is rebellion—who had deserved a message of woe receive good tidings of weal. The picture is beautiful. It is not the rebellious city which sends out an ambassador to sue for peace-terms, but the offended King of kings who sends his own herald to proclaim peace through a ransom, and that ransom: the blood of his own dear Son!”[2]
Not only was Paul a God appointed preacher, but also a God appointed apostle. An apostle (ἀπόστολος; apostolos) was a special messenger.
“Paul had been appointed to be not only a herald but also an apostle, representing Christ, fully clothed with delegated authority over doctrine and conduct, an authority continuing for life and extending over the entire church, wherever it existed on earth. It was in this broad capacity as apostle that Paul was a herald.”[3]
Thirdly, the Lord appointed Paul to be a teacher (διδάσκαλος; didaskalos). This refers to providing instruction. Biblical instruction is what the apostle had in mind. This teaching ministry was to the Gentiles in union with their faith in Christ and the truth of God.
“Having been appointed to be a herald and apostle, Paul was “a teacher of the Gentiles in (the realm of) faith and truth,” that is, he and his message were used by God as means to bring to the minds and hearts of the Gentiles living faith in the truth of the gospel.”[4]
Paul wanted the hearers of this letter to know he was telling the truth. Then he wrote he was not lying. It was an emphatic statement regarding his integrity and fidelity to the Gospel.
God calls each believer in Christ to share the Gospel (Matt. 28:19-20). We are not to change or adjust the message in order to receive a favorable response from those who listen. The Gospel will offend people, but believers are not to be offensive.
May the Lord bless your efforts to share the good news of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Have a great day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 100.
[2] Ibid. 101.
[3] Ibid. 101.
[4] Ibid. 101–102.
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