1 Timothy 1:2

Modern

To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Traditional

Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Literal

To Timothy, my genuine child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Latin

Timotheo dilecto filio in fide. Gratia, misericordia, et pax a Deo Patre, et Christo Jesu Domino nostro.

Greek

English

To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Timothy was in Ephesus as Paul's representative (see 1 Timothy Book Introduction, “Setting”).
my true child: Timothy was like a true child to Paul in the faith (see Philippians 2:20; compare Titus 1:4). But he was probably not directly converted by Paul (see Acts 16:1).

This opening includes the usual parts of a letter:

Additional details emphasize Paul's important message (see also Romans 1:1–7; 1 Corinthians 1:1–3; Galatians 1:1–5; Titus 1:1–4).

Theme notes and profiles

Titus 1:4
To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
2 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:14–17
I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.
Philippians 2:19–22
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing.
Acts 16:1–3
Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father.
Romans 1:7
To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:2
…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
2 Timothy 2:1
You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:18
Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,
Galatians 1:3
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Thessalonians 3:2
We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Timothy: Paul's young disciple and co-worker