The verse 2 Timothy 1:1 in the King James Version reads, "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus."

This verse is the opening of the second letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, his beloved co-worker and fellow disciple. Through this verse, Paul establishes his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ and emphasizes the divine calling and commission that he has received from God. The verse also alludes to the promise of eternal life that is found in Christ Jesus.

One of the key themes in this verse is the divine authority and commissioning of Paul as an apostle. In addressing himself as "an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God," Paul is asserting that his ministry and authority are not self-appointed or humanly derived, but are the result of a divine calling and commissioning. This highlights the importance of divine authority and the sovereignty of God in the call to ministry.

Additionally, the reference to the promise of life in Christ Jesus speaks to the central message of the Christian faith - the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This promise is central to the Christian gospel and is based on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. By referencing this promise, Paul is setting the tone for the rest of his letter, which will focus on exhorting Timothy to remain faithful to the gospel in the face of opposition and persecution.

The context of this verse is important in understanding its significance. At the time of writing this letter, Paul was in prison, facing the possibility of death for his faith. Timothy, to whom the letter is addressed, was a young pastor in Ephesus who faced challenges in leading and shepherding the church. In this context, Paul's words carry an added weight, as he seeks to encourage and strengthen Timothy in his ministry.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the concept of apostleship and the promise of life in Christ Jesus. The title "apostle" carries the connotation of being a sent one, someone who is designated and empowered by God to carry out a specific mission or message. In using this title, Paul is affirming his authority as a messenger of the gospel, and by extension, the authority of the message itself.

The promise of life in Christ Jesus symbolizes the hope and assurance that Christians have in the midst of challenges and trials. It represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity through Jesus Christ. This promise serves as a source of strength and encouragement for believers, reminding them of the eternal hope that they have in Christ.

In conclusion, 2 Timothy 1:1 is a powerful opening verse that sets the tone for the rest of the letter. It emphasizes the divine authority and commissioning of Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ and highlights the central message of the promise of life found in Christ Jesus. The themes of divine authority, the promise of eternal life, and the context of persecution provide a rich backdrop for understanding the significance of this verse for both Timothy and contemporary readers.