Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Timothy 1:1

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus," — 2 Timothy 1:1 (ASV)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ. (See Barnes on Romans 1:1).

By the will of God. Called to be an apostle in accordance with the Divine will and purpose. (See Barnes on Galatians 1:1).

According to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus. In accordance with the great promise of eternal life through the Saviour; that is, he was called to be an apostle to carry out the great purpose of human salvation. (Compare Ephesians 3:6.) God has made a promise of life to mankind through faith in the Lord Jesus, and it was with reference to this that he was called to the apostleship.