to Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
grace, mercy, and peace -- Timothy was issued Paul’s fairly standard greeting. This greeting captures the essence of the gospel message—God’s grace shown in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ brings peace with God. The insertion of “mercy” alters Paul’s typical greeting: “grace to you and peace” (Romans 1:7; Galatians 1:3; Colossians 1:2).