What does 2 Timothy 1:2 mean?

Verse 2 completes the introduction, identifying the letter's recipient and offering a greeting frequently used by Paul. This letter is written to Timothy, one of four personal New Testament letters by Paul. The others are 1 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Timothy was the only person to receive two personal letters from Paul in the New Testament. Here, Timothy is called "my beloved child." In 1 Timothy 1:2, he was called "my true child in the faith." This was a spiritual relationship, most likely referring to leading Timothy to faith in Christ. Timothy and Titus were the only two men called "true child" by Paul (Titus 1:4).

This verse includes an appeal to "Grace, mercy, and peace." This is the same opening greeting used by Paul in 1 Timothy. The reference to "God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord" offers two important insights. First, both the Father and Jesus are mentioned together as equals. This underlines the emphasis on God as a Trinity, as reflected in the introductions to many of Paul's letters. Second, the title "Christ Jesus" is used three times in the first two verses in a symmetrical manner. This cleanly sets the introduction apart from the main body of the letter. The title "Christ Jesus" is used a total of twelve times throughout 2 Timothy, with six of these occasions in the first chapter alone.