Note 1 at 1 Tim. 1:1: It was common for Paul to begin his epistles with a reference to his apostolic authority (Rom. 1:1; 1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1; Tit. 1:1). The exceptions to this are Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians and Philemon.

Note 2 at 1 Tim. 1:1: The phrase "God our Saviour" was a common term within the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim. 1:1; 2:3; Titus 1:3; 2:10; 3:4). This verse clearly states that God is our Savior while Titus 3:6 says Jesus Christ is our Savior. We don't have two saviors (Acts 4:12), therefore, this is further proof of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ (see ref. e at this verse).

Note 3 at 1 Tim. 1:1: Notice that the phrase "which is" is italicized. This means these words were not in the original text. They were added for grammatical accuracy. If you were to remove these two words, this verse would literally read, "...Lord Jesus Christ, our hope". This is the way the NIV renders it.

The facts of Christianity are superior to the claims of any religion of the world. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is so wonderful that there are no religious claims which can parallel it. But the Christian's hope goes far beyond just claims or facts, as wonderful as they may be. Our hope is a living person, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The atheist said, "What makes you think there is a God?" The Christian said, "I talked to Him this morning". Our living relationship with a real person puts the Christian's hope apart from just facts. The Christian's hope is a person.