2 Timothy 1:9

International Standard Version

He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our own works but according to his own purpose and the grace that was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.before the times of the ages">[fn]Romans 3:20; 8:28; 9:11; 16:25; Ephesians 1:4; 3:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:2; 3:4-5; Hebrews 3:1; 1 Peter 1:20;">[xr]

Parallel Translations

Easy-to-Read Version
God saved us and chose us to be his holy people, but not because of anything we ourselves did. God saved us and made us his people because that was what he wanted and because of his grace. That grace was given to us through Christ Jesus before time began.

Revised Standard Version
who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago,

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
which saved vs and called vs wt an holy callinge not acordinge to oure dedes but accordynge to his awne purpose and grace which grace was geve vs thorowe Christ Iesu before the worlde was

Hebrew Names Version
who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Messiah Yeshua before times eternal,

New American Standard Bible
who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

New Century Version
saved us and made us his holy people. That was not because of anything we did ourselves but because of God's purpose and grace. That grace was given to us through Christ Jesus before time began,

Update Bible Version
who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before eternal times,

Webster's Bible Translation
Who hath saved us, and called [us] with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began;

English Standard Version
who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

World English Bible
who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began;

Weymouth's New Testament
For He saved us and called us with a holy call, not in accordance with our desserts, but in accordance with His own purpose and the free grace which He bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before the commencement of the Ages,

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
that delyueride vs, and clepide with his hooli clepyng, not after oure werkis, but bi his purpos and grace, that is youun in Crist Jhesu bifore worldli tymes;

English Revised Version
who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

Berean Standard Bible
He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time eternal.

Contemporary English Version
God saved us and chose us to be his holy people. We did nothing to deserve this, but God planned it because he is so kind. Even before time began God planned for Christ Jesus to show kindness to us.

Amplified Bible
for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],

American Standard Version
who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

Bible in Basic English
Who gave us salvation, marking us out for his purpose, not on account of our works, but in the measure of his purpose and his grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

Complete Jewish Bible
since he delivered us and called us to a life of holiness as his people. It was not because of our deeds, but because of his own purpose and the grace which he gave to us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua. He did this before the beginning of time,

Darby Translation
who has saved us, and has called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to [his] own purpose and grace, which [was] given to us in Christ Jesus before [the] ages of time,

Etheridge Translation
who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling; not according to our works, but according to his will, and that grace of his which was given to us in Jeshu Meshiha before the time of the worlds,

Murdock Translation
who hath vivified us, and called us with a holy calling; not according to our works, but according to his good pleasure, and his grace that was given us in Jesus the Messiah from time before the ages,

King James Version (1611)
Who hath saued vs, and called vs with an holy calling, not according to our workes, but according to his owne purpose and grace, which was giuen vs in Christ Iesus, before the world began,

New Living Translation
For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.

New Life Bible
He is the One Who saved us from the punishment of sin. He is the One Who chose us to do His work. It is not because of anything we have done. But it was His plan from the beginning that He would give us His loving-favor through Christ Jesus.

New Revised Standard
who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

Geneva Bible (1587)
Who hath saued vs, and called vs with an holy calling, not according to our workes, but according to his owne purpose and grace, which was giuen to vs through Christ Iesus before the world was,

George Lamsa Translation
Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own will and his grace, which was given us in Jesus Christ before the world began,

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to the peculiar purpose and favour - which was given to us in Christ Jesus before age-during times,

Douay-Rheims Bible
Who hath delivered us and called us by his holy calling, not according to our own works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the times of the world:

Bishop's Bible (1568)
Who hath saued vs, & called vs with an holy callyng, not accordyng to our workes: but accordyng to his owne purpose and grace, which was geuen vs in Christe Iesus, before the world began:

Good News Translation
He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

Christian Standard Bible®
He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

King James Version
Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Lexham English Bible
who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace that was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

Literal Translation
the One having saved us and having called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace given to us in Christ Jesus before eternal times,

Young's Literal Translation
who did save us, and did call with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, that was given to us in Christ Jesus, before the times of the ages,

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
which hath saued vs, and called vs with an holy callynge: not acordinge to oure dedes, but acordinge to his owne purpose and grace, which was geuen vs in Christ Iesu before the tyme of the worlde,

Mace New Testament (1729)
who has saved us, and by the gospel hath called us to holiness, not in consideration of our works, but in pursuance of his own resolution, and the favour, which having been promised us by Jesus Christ several ages ago,

New English Translation
He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

New King James Version
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

Simplified Cowboy Version
God saved us and called us to ride a trail of holiness. We didn't deserve either of these, but that was his plan all along. His plan was simple—to show us grace through Christ Jesus.

New American Standard Bible (1995)
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

Legacy Standard Bible
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

Contextual Overview

⁶ For this reason, I am reminding you to fan into flames the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands.1 Thessalonians 5:19; 1 Timothy 4:14;">[xr] ⁷ For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.good judgment">[fn]Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:15;">[xr] ⁸ Therefore, never be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God's power, join me in suffering for the sake of the gospel.Romans 1:16; Ephesians 3:1; Philippians 1:7; Colossians 1:24; 1 Timothy 2:6; 2 Timothy 4:5; Revelation 1:2;">[xr] ⁹ He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our own works but according to his own purpose and the grace that was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.before the times of the ages">[fn]Romans 3:20; 8:28; 9:11; 16:25; Ephesians 1:4; 3:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:7; 1 Timothy 1:1; Titus 1:2; 3:4-5; Hebrews 3:1; 1 Peter 1:20;">[xr] ¹⁰ Now, however, it has been revealed through the coming of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and through the gospel has brought life and release from death into full view.Romans 16:26; 1 Corinthians 15:54-55; Ephesians 1:9; Colossians 1:26; Titus 1:3; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 1:20;">[xr] ¹¹ For the sake of this gospelFor which">[fn] I was appointed to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.of the Gentiles">[fn]Acts 9:15; Ephesians 3:7-8; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 4:17;">[xr] ¹² That is why I suffer as I do. However, I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I'm convinced that he is able to protect what he has entrusted to mewhat I have entrusted to him">[fn] until that day.Ephesians 3:1; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:9; 4:8; 1:18; 1 Peter 4:19;">[xr] ¹³ Hold on to the pattern of healthy teachings that you have heard from me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.Romans 2:20; 6:17; 1 Timothy 1:10,14; 6:3; 2 Timothy 2:2; 3:14; Titus 1:9; Hebrews 10:23; Revelation 2:25;">[xr] ¹⁴ With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, protect the good treasure that has been entrusted to you.Romans 8:11; 1 Timothy 6:20;">[xr]

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

hath: Matthew 1:21, Acts 2:47, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Ephesians 2:5, Ephesians 2:8, 1 Timothy 1:1, Titus 3:4, Titus 3:5

called: Romans 8:28, Romans 8:30, Romans 9:24, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 2:14, Hebrews 3:1, 1 Peter 1:15, 1 Peter 1:16, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Peter 2:20, 1 Peter 2:21

not: Romans 3:20, Romans 9:11, Romans 11:5, Romans 11:6, Ephesians 2:9, Titus 3:5

according to his: Deuteronomy 7:7, Deuteronomy 7:8, Isaiah 14:26, Isaiah 14:27, Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:26, Luke 10:21, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:9, Ephesians 1:11

which: John 6:37, John 10:28, John 10:29, John 17:9, 1 Corinthians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 3:22, Ephesians 1:3

before: John 17:24, Acts 15:18, Romans 16:25, Ephesians 1:4, Ephesians 3:11, Titus 1:2, 1 Peter 1:20, Revelation 13:8, Revelation 17:8

Reciprocal: Deuteronomy 9:4 - Speak not Psalms 103:17 - the mercy Isaiah 35:8 - The way Jeremiah 31:3 - an Ezekiel 36:32 - for your Hosea 14:2 - receive Hosea 14:4 - I will love Matthew 13:35 - I will utter Luke 1:75 - General Luke 2:11 - unto Acts 2:39 - as many Romans 1:6 - the called Romans 4:6 - without 1 Corinthians 1:2 - called 1 Corinthians 1:9 - by 1 Corinthians 2:7 - even 1 Corinthians 15:2 - ye are Galatians 1:6 - that called Galatians 1:15 - and Ephesians 2:4 - his Ephesians 3:9 - beginning Ephesians 4:1 - vocation Philippians 2:13 - good Philippians 3:9 - not Colossians 3:12 - beloved 1 Thessalonians 1:4 - your election 1 Thessalonians 2:12 - who 1 Thessalonians 5:24 - calleth 1 Timothy 2:3 - God 1 Timothy 6:12 - whereunto 1 Peter 5:10 - who 2 Peter 1:3 - called

Cross-References

2 Peter 3:5
But they deliberately ignore the fact that long ago the heavens existed and the earth was formed by God's word out of water and with water,Genesis 1:6,9; Psalm 24:2; 33:6; 136:6; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 11:3;">[xr]

Revelation 10:6
He swore an oath by the one who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and everything in it, the earth and everything in it, and the sea and everything in it: "There will be no more delay.Nehemiah 9:6; Daniel 12:7; Revelation 4:11; 14:7; 16:17;">[xr]

Gill's Notes on the Bible

Who hath saved us, and called us,.... And therefore should not be ashamed of his Gospel, but should readily partake of the afflictions of it, depending on his power to support under them. There is a salvation previous to calling: there is a temporal salvation; a special providence attends the elect of God, as soon as born; God's visitation in a very special manner preserves their spirits; they are kept from many imminent dangers, and some of them from the grosser immoralities of life; and there is a chain of providences, as the fixing of their habitations, bringing to such a place, and under such a ministry, with various other things, ways and methods, which lead on to the effectual calling: and there is a preservation of them in Christ Jesus, antecedent to calling, Judges 1:1. God had a mind to save some; he pitched on his own Son to be the Saviour of them; he put those persons into his hands, where they are safely preserved; so as not to be damned, and everlastingly perish, notwithstanding their fall in Adam, their original corruption, and actual transgressions, until called by grace: yea, that spiritual and eternal salvation, which is by Jesus Christ, is before calling; this was resolved upon from eternity; a council of peace was formed; a covenant of grace was made; a promise of life given; persons were fixed upon to be saved; a Saviour was appointed, and blessings of grace were put into his hands; and all according to an eternal purpose. Salvation was not only resolved upon, but the scheme of it was contrived from eternity, in a way agreeable to all the divine perfections, in which Satan is most mortified, the creature abased, and the elect effectually saved; nay, salvation is obtained before calling, Christ being called to this work, and having undertook it, was in the fulness of time sent to effect it, and is become the author of it: the thing is done, and all that remain are the application of it, which is in the effectual calling, and the full possession of it, which will be in heaven. The calling here spoken of is not to an office, nor a mere call by the external ministry of the word, but a call by special grace, to special privileges, to grace and glory; and is an high and heavenly one, and is here called holy, for it follows,

with an holy calling. The Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read, "with his holy calling": the author of it is holy; it is a call to holiness, and the means of it are holy; and in it persons have principles of grace and holiness implanted in them; and are influenced to live holy lives and conversations:

not according to our works; neither salvation nor calling are according to the works of men: not salvation; works are not the moving cause of it, but the free love and favour of God; nor the procuring cause of it, but the Lord Jesus Christ; nor the adjuvant or helping cause of it, for his own arm brought salvation alone: nor calling; which must be either according to works before, or after; not according to works before calling, for such are not properly good works, being destitute of faith in Christ, and proceeding neither from a right principle, nor to a right end; not according to works after calling, as they are after it they are the fruits of calling grace, and cannot be the cause, or rule, and measure at it:

but according to his own purpose and grace; salvation is according to both: it is according to the purpose of God; God resolved upon the salvation of some; in pursuance of this resolution, he set up Christ as the Mediator; and it being necessary that he should be man, this was agreed to, and a body was prepared him; the time of his coming was fixed, called the fulness of time; and his sufferings and death, with all the circumstances of them, were determined by God. And it is according to grace; the resolution for it, and the contrivance of it, are owing to the grace of God; and which also appears in the making of a covenant; in setting up Christ as the Mediator of it; in the mission of him into this world; and in all the parts and branches of salvation: in the choice of persons to it; in the redemption of them by Christ; in their justification by his righteousness; in the pardon of their sins through his blood; in their adoption, regeneration, sanctification, and eternal glory; and the end of it is the glory of the grace of God. Vocation is also according to both the purpose and grace of God: it is according to his purpose; the persons called are fixed upon by him; whom he predestinates he calls; none are called, but whom God purposed to call; and for their calling no other reason can be assigned but the sovereign will of God, nor can any other reason be given why others are not called; the time of their calling is fixed in the decrees of God; and the place where, and means whereby, and occasion whereof, all are predetermined by him: and this is also according to grace; the author of it is the God of all grace; and in it is made the first discovery of grace to sinners; nothing out of God could move him to do it, and so it is sovereign grace; it is of some men, and not all, and so is distinguishing grace; it is of sinners, and so is free grace; and it is both to grace and glory, and so is rich grace: and it is according to grace

which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began; it is a gift, and a free gift, not at all depending upon any conditions in the creature, and entirely proceeding from the sovereign will of God; and it was a gift from eternity; there was not only a purpose of grace in God's heart, and a promise of it so early, but there was a real donation of it in eternity: and though those to whom it was given did not then personally exist, yet Christ did, and he existed as a covenant head and representative of his people; and they were in him, as members of him, as represented by him, being united to him; and this grace was given to him for them, and to them in him; in whom they were chosen, and in whom they were blessed with all spiritual blessings. The Ethiopic version reads, "in Christ Jesus, who before the world [was]"; but without any foundation.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Who hath saved us; - See the notes at Matthew 1:21. He has brought us into a state in which salvation is so certain, that Paul could speak of it as if it were already done.

And called us - see the notes at Romans 8:28, Romans 8:30.

With an holy calling - A calling which is in its own nature holy, and which leads to holiness; compare the Ephesians 4:1 note; Philippians 3:14 note; Hebrews 3:1 note.

Not according to our works - Titus 3:5; notes, Ephesians 2:8-9. The idea is, that our own works have nothing to do in inducing God to call us. As, when we become Christians, he does not choose us because of our works, so the eternal purpose in regard to our salvation could not have been formed because he foresaw that we would perform such works as would be a reason why he should choose us. The whole arrangement was irrespective of our deserts.

But according to his own purpose and grace - see the Romans 9:11-13 notes, 16; Ephesians 1:4-5 notes.

Which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began - That is, which he intended to give us, for it was not then actually given. The thing was so certain in the divine purposes, that it might be said to be already done; compare the notes at Romans 4:17.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 9. Who hath saved us — From sin; the spirit of bondage, and all tormenting fear. This is the design of the Gospel.

And called us with a holy calling — Invited us to holiness and comfort here; and to eternal glory hereafter.

Not according to our works — We have not deserved any part of the good we have received; and can never merit one moment of the exceeding great and eternal weight of glory which is promised. See the notes on the parallel passages.

Before the world began — προ χρονων αιωνιων. Before the Mosaic dispensation took place, God purposed the salvation of the Gentiles by Christ Jesus; and the Mosaic dispensation was intended only as the introducer of the Gospel. The law was our schoolmaster unto Christ, Galatians 3:24. See the parallel places, and the notes there.