What does 1 Timothy 2:7 mean?

Paul moves from speaking about salvation in Jesus to stating that he was "appointed" to share this message. Paul saw himself as chosen by God for the specific work of serving as a missionary to the Gentiles. His efforts included speaking and traveling to start new churches throughout the Gentile world. Paul started at least twenty churches, likely many more, during his approximately thirty years of ministry. In addition, thirteen of his letters became a part of the New Testament.

Paul's sudden reference to truth seems strange, for someone proclaiming himself a servant of God. And yet, this is a device Paul used more than once in his other letters. In 2 Corinthians 11:31 and Galatians 1:20 he also makes a point of stating his honesty. The intent seems to be emphasizing the issue at hand. In this case, Paul is referring to his calling from God and to ministry as a preacher and apostle. In the Greek text, the same word for truth is used both for Paul's personal claim and the reference to what he was teaching the Gentiles.

Throughout 1 Timothy, truth is a key theme (1 Timothy 3:15; 4:3; 6:5), standing contrast to the false teachers in Ephesus.