Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Timothy 1:1, 2

Note how Paul describes himself.  “I am an apostle.”  An apostle is a sent one and apostle is also used as one of those who were intimate associates of Jesus.   It is helpful to note that Paul uses the indefinite article, “an,” indicating that he is bonded with those who believe in Jesus and are sent out by him. He does not see himself as a super disciple, but as one among them.

While Jesus lived, Paul hated him.  After Jesus ascended into Glory, Paul could not rest – he must stop what he thought was heresy that had to be terminated. On his journey to Damascus to do that, Jesus himself, of all people, appeared to him in a vision that literally turned his world upside down.

Paul, upon reflection, realized a profound truth, while he was running away from God, God ran after him.  Jesus appeared to Paul and spoke with him. Paul could have denied the whole thing and continued on his task of destroying believers.  But that appearance of Jesus made a believer out of Paul.  He realized that he is a believer by God’s command.  That is strong language and we do not know exactly what Paul is saying, but one thing is sure, he was not seeking Jesus, Jesus was seeking him!

Jesus forgave Paul.  He offered salvation and turned Paul into a Jesus lover.  That is truly extraordinary.

As a part of the experience Jesus game him a new mission – Christ sent him – thus the word apostle is fitting, indeed.

That is Paul’s story.  How Timothy became a follower of Jesus is another story but no matter, the result is a precious fellowship of love between these two followers of Jesus Christ, one older the other younger.