ESV Reformation Study Bible – 1 Tim 1:2
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1 Tim 1:2

1:2 true child. Cf. Titus 1:4. Paul views Timothy as his spiritual son (v. 18; 1 Cor. 4:17; Phil. 2:22; 2 Tim. 1:2; 2:1; Introduction: Date and Occasion).

Grace, mercy, and peace. Paul commonly substitutes “grace” for the more standard salutation “greetings” (e.g., James 1:1). He typically adds the Jewish greeting “peace,” meaning “health, wholeness of life.” Here and in 2 Tim. 1:2 he also adds “mercy.”