Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
Servant of God - not found elsewhere in the same connection. In Romans 1:1 it is "servant of Jesus Christ" (Galatians 1:10; Philippians 1:1: cf. Acts 16:17; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 15:3, Moses). In Romans 1:1 there follows "called to be an apostle." So here the general designation, "servant of GOD," is followed by the special 'and further х de (G1161)] apostle of Jesus Christ.' The expression of his apostolic office answers, in both letters, to the design, and is a comprehensive index to the contents. The special form here would never have proceeded from a forger. According to the faith - `for' х kata (G2596) marks destination; eis (G1519), immediate purpose; pros (G4314), ultimate purpose (Ellicott)]: with a view to subserve the faith, the object of my apostleship (cf. Titus 1:4; Titus 1:9; Romans 1:5).
God's elect - for whose sake we ought to endure all things (2 Timothy 2:10). This election has its ground, not in any merit of the elected, but in the purpose of God from everlasting (Romans 8:30; Romans 8:33; 2 Timothy 1:9: cf. Luke 18:7; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 3:12). Acts 13:48 shows that the faith of the elect rests on the divine foreordination: they do not become elect by their faith, but receive faith (Ephesians 2:8), and so become believers, because elect. And the acknowledging of the truth - `and (for promoting) the full knowledge х epignoosin (G1922)] of the truth' (Ephesians 1:13).
After godliness - i:e., which leads to piety: opposed to the knowledge which has not practical piety for its object (Titus 1:11; Titus 1:16; 1 Timothy 6:3). Not truth in general, but sanctifying truth, is the aim of Christianity. "Godliness," or 'piety' х eusebeia (G2150)], is a term unique to the pastoral letters; the apostle having in them to combat doctrine tending to 'ungodliness' (2 Timothy 2:16: cf. Titus 2:11-12).