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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
1:1-2 Salutation. This letter clearly claims to be written by Paul. A denial of its Pauline authorship raises significant issues regarding the reliability of Scripture. See Introduction: Author and Title.
1:1 Paul reinforces his apostolic authority by stating that his apostleship came by command of God. On the basis of this command, he charges Timothy with his task (v. 3) and provides a general charge to Christians (v. 5). On "God our Savior," cf. note on 2 Tim. 1:8-10.
1:2 Paul's normal greeting in his letters is simply grace . . . and peace. Some wonder at the addition of mercy here (cf. 2 Tim. 1:2), but Paul often introduced things in the opening of his letters that he would deal with later in the letter (cf. 1 Tim. 1:13, 16).
