1 Timothy 1-2, Chuck Smith teaching (C2000, 1979 to 1985)

Read as you listen: Chuck Smith on 1 Timothy 1

Read the opening of his teaching

First Timothy.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour (1:1),

And the Greek word is "the royal commandment" of God; it's a word that is used when a king had made a decree. It is interesting that Paul so often introduces himself as an apostle by the will of God. But here he declares he is an apostle by the commandment of God.

The word apostle is one who has been sent out; idea of an emissary or an ambassador. And that's exactly what Paul saw himself, as an ambassador of Jesus Christ, one whom the Lord had sent out to represent him in an alien country. We're in a world that's alien to God, but we are God's representatives here. We are here to represent God on this alien planet. And so "Paul," one who has been sent out by the royal decree, "by the commandment of God our Saviour."