Note 15 at 1 Tim. 2:7: Paul was ordained a preacher and an apostle. The word "ordained" is the Greek word TITHEMI and means "to appoint." "Preacher" (Gk. KERUX), in its common use in the first century was "a herald, a messenger vested with public authority, who conveyed the official messages of kings, magistrates, princes, military commanders, or who gave a public summons or demand..." (Wuest, Vol.2, p.43). This describes a person who delivered public notices on the behalf of a sovereign adding nothing more than what was told to him.

Paul explained to the people that as heralds are sent by the king or magistrate to deliver a message, he is sent by the Lord to share the Gospel.

Note 16 at 1 Tim. 2:7: Paul says in this parenthetical phrase that he was telling the truth and speaking no lie. That he inserted this, suggests that his apostolic authority had been under question in Ephesus as it was in so many other places.

Note 17 at 1 Tim. 2:7: The Lord specifically commissioned Paul to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. He certainly did that; however, he constantly sought to minister to the Jews, and often expressed his longing to see his fellow Jews born again (see note 3 at Rom. 9:3, p. 806). Much of his persecution came from the Jews. Therefore, it is possible that much of the persecution Paul endured could have been avoided if he had just done what the Lord had commissioned him to do.