2 Timothy 1:1
1 Paul, [Paulos] an apostle [apostolos] of Jesus [Iesous] Christ [Christos] by [dia] the will [thelema] of God, [theos] according to [kata] the promise [epaggelia] of life [zoe] which [ho] is in [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus, [Iesous] KJV-Interlinear
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus, NASB
The writer of this letter is Paul. Paul means, little or small, and though it probably referred to his physical presence, it is also a reference to his spiritual humility. Revered by all Christians as perhaps the one who made the most contribution to the New Testament, he is probably second only to Isaiah as far as the entire Bible is concerned.
Paul is referred to by those who did not particularly like him, as demeaning and unimpressive as an individual, 2 Cor. 10:10.
Paul was born into a Jewish family, Phil. 3:5, was a Roman citizen, Acts 22:25-28, was born with the name of Saul which was changed to Paul, Acts. 13:9.
He was raised in traditional orthodox fashion, circumcised on the eighth day, born of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, Phil. 3:5, fanatical and devout in Judaism, excelled among his peers, Gal. 1:14, was exuberant even in his participation in the death of Stephen, Acts 8:1, and the persecution of Christians in general, Acts 8:3, 9:1-2, 26:9-11.
While traveling to Damascus, Paul was confronted by Christ and converted to Christianity, Acts 9. Paul spent three years in solitary preparation then returned to Damascus proclaiming the gospel of Christ. He was run out of town, so to speak, and went to Jerusalem, where he was hesitantly received because of his former reputation, Acts 9:22-25, 2 Cor. 11:32-33.
Through the efforts of Barnabas, Paul was accepted, and went to Antioch, where he became one of the pastors in the church there. It was from that ministry that Paul launched his ministry to the gentiles, and thereby came to meet Timothy in due course, Acts 22:14-15, 26:16-18.
Paul is called an apostle, which means messenger, or to send off on a commission to do something as one's personal representative with credentials furnished, an envoy, an ambassador.
Many in the New Testament were called apostles, both of the original twelve as well as others, Barnabas, Acts 14:14, Epaphroditus, Phil. 2:25, Andronicus and Junius, Rom. 16:7, and James, Gal 1:19.
In a more restrictive definition of the term, only the original eleven plus Matthias and later Paul, who was selected by Christ Himself, or who were witness to Jesus personally, came into possession of the title.
Paul addresses himself as an apostle of Christ, by the will of God, and thus states clearly that he was appointed directly by God. His appointment is certain and verified by means of the credentials of his life in writing and teaching scripture.
Many have come and gone making similar claims, but none can stand up to the test of verifiable historical fact.
According to the promise of life, simply means in conformity to the teaching of the gospel, by which salvation and eternal life may be obtained. There is no other means of salvation, no other means of eternal life.
And that life, and the means to that life, are found in only one person in all of history, and that is Jesus Christ, the unique person of the universe, the God/man, in one person. Who by His work on the Cross, paved the way for our continued life after this life, in heaven and into eternity.
Paul does not represent himself as a messiah or a prophet or some unique messenger carrying his own message, with unique powers such as you will find listed in various religions, or anything of that nature.
Paul merely presents, teaches and explains that which God has already made known, and is consistent with truth as far as the fundamental principles of scripture are concerned. Without adding to or taking away from already established doctrine. Paul does not invent a new religion, and does not attempt to revise or modify any established truths.
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