The apostle Paul identifies the individual to whom he writes this epistle, Timothy, as his “true son in the faith” (2). Timothy probably first heard the gospel preached by Paul during his first visit to Lystra (Acts 14). The first record of their acquaintance is mentioned in Acts 16:1-2. There is no direct indication in scripture that Paul was the one who shared the gospel with the young man, his mother and grandmother, but it is very probable. Timothy’s mother and grandmother were wonderful spiritual influences for him (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5).
Timothy was a companion and fellow worker with Paul in his ministry. He traveled with him on both his second and third preaching tours. He visited Paul while in prison, as recorded in Philippians 1:1, and was himself imprisoned for his faith, as indicated in Hebrews 13:23. He was a faithful evangelist, and Paul was his mentor. It is not surprising that Paul would call him his “true son in the faith.”
Paul’s salutation was typical of his epistles. It is notable that he repeats here his claim that his apostleship is by the “commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope” (2), rather than a usurpation of authority.
