ESTEEM. 2nd Timothy 1:2 Timothy had been a companion of Paul during his second and third missionary journeys. An affectionate esteem is expressed in “my dearly beloved son.” During the years between the first and second letters, trust and affection had not waned, even though the second letter has a far more serious and somber tone to it. The same words of greeting: “Grace, mercy, and peace” are used.
Mercy is directed toward individuals because God hasn't given us what we deserve. He knows us and has compassion for us in our difficulties, just as He showed mercy when we were headed to hell because of our sins. When we receive the blessings of grace from our Father—blessings that become personal to us through Christ Jesus our Lord—and when He, in mercy, withholds the judgment we rightly deserve, peace results. Personally, peace is a calmness we feel when we trust God. Legally, we also have peace because divine justice has been fulfilled through our Lord taking our punishment on Himself. Faithfulness and trusting affection do not fade when two fellow workers for the Lord are committed to the same mission. Timothy demonstrated the same concern and mindset as Paul when seeking to teach and protect those whom God had saved. Timothy’s Christianity was genuine, and a bond of spiritual love connected this older man to the younger man and vice versa. Grace and peace were common greetings among the Gentiles and Jews. Including mercy in the greeting added a sense of real care and concern that God has for His people.