1 Timothy 2:7
ESV
For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
NIV
And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
NASB
For this I was appointed as a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
CSB
For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
NLT
And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating — just telling the truth.
KJV
Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
NKJV
for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying— a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
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.
