Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Timothy 2:7

"whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." — 1 Timothy 2:7 (ASV)

To which. Greek: "Unto which;" that is, to the bearing of which testimony I am appointed.

I am ordained. Greek: "I am placed or constituted" eteyhn. The word "ordain" has now acquired a technical signification, meaning to set apart solemnly to a sacred office by the imposition of hands; but it does not have that meaning here.

It does not refer to the manner in which he was set apart, or to any act of others in consecrating him to this work, but merely to the fact that he had been placed in this office, or appointed to it. He refers, doubtless, to the fact that the Lord Jesus had designated him to this work.

A preacher and an apostle. See Barnes, 1 Corinthians 9:1 and following. See Barnes, Galatians 1:11; also See Barnes, Galatians 1:12.

I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not. That is, by Christ; or I solemnly appeal to Christ—a form of an oath. See Barnes, Romans 9:1.

Paul makes a solemn declaration similar to this regarding his call to the apostleship in Galatians 1:20. For the reasons why he did it, see Barnes, Galatians 1:20.

It is probable that there were those in Ephesus who denied that he could be an apostle, and hence his solemn declaration affirming it.

A teacher of the Gentiles. Specially appointed to carry the gospel to the Gentiles or the heathen. See Barnes, Romans 11:13; See Barnes, Galatians 2:7.

In faith and verity. These words mean that he was appointed to instruct the Gentiles in faith and the knowledge of the truth.