Definition: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Timothy 1:1 together. It’s a really important and comforting statement! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Paul is telling you that he’s been called to be an apostle – meaning a messenger – because God has already given him a promise of something wonderful. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Paul, an apostle…” This refers to the apostle Paul. He was a very important leader in the early church and a key figure in spreading the Christian message. “…of Jesus Christ…” This is crucial . It means Paul was chosen because he’s connected to the life of Jesus Christ – that’s the core of Christianity! "...by the will of God..." This shows that this wasn't a chance occurrence. God Himself decided to call him to fulfill his purpose. "...according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus." This is the really important part. The "promise of life" refers to something real – it’s not just a dream or hope, but a tangible gift that God has given you through faith in Jesus. That promise of life comes from the fact that Jesus died for us and rose again! So, putting it all together: Paul is being called to share the good news of Jesus Christ and his life – because God Himself promised him a wonderful future filled with hope and eternal life. In short: He's chosen to be a messenger of a great promise. Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail, or perhaps explore what this verse means for you personally?