A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Timothy 1:9

"who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal," — 2 Timothy 1:9 (ASV)

Called us with a holy calling (καλεσαντος κλησε αγια). Probably dative, "to a holy calling." Κλησις here apparently not the invitation, but the consecrated service, "the upward calling" . See 1 Corinthians 7:20; Ephesians 4:1,4 for the use of καλεω with κλησις. Paul often uses καλεω of God's calling men (1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 1:9; Galatians 1:6; Romans 8:20; Romans 9:11).

Purpose (προθεσιν). See Ro 9:11; Ephesians 1:11 for προθεσιν.

Which was given (την δοθεισαν). First aorist passive articular participle agreeing with χαρις (grace), a thoroughly Pauline expression (1 Corinthians 3:10; Romans 12:3,6, etc.), only here in Pastoral Epistles.

Before times eternal (προ χρονων αιωνιων). See Tit 1:2.