1 Timothy 1:12-16: The Chief Sinner
2021-08-31
1 Timothy 1:12-14
Paul had a history of persecuting the church (Philippians 3:6) and even involvement of murdering Christians (Acts 22:20). His salvation was a major display of repentance. People initially doubted that he truly was a believer because of his prior behavior (Acts 9:13-14, 26-27; cf. Galatians 1:23-24). Now converted, Paul thanks the Lord that He had “enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry” (1 Timothy 1:12). Nobody is worthy or able of being a minister (read: servant) of the Word of God. He enables, He counts us faithful, and He puts us into the ministry. He “hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (meaning, whatever good works of ministry He has for us; Ephesians 2:10).
The apostle Paul had a major role in planting and edifying churches in the first century, and the Spirit used Him to write numerous New Testament epistles. This truly was a work of God’s grace. He describes himself as “a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious” (1 Timothy 1:13). His own testimony before Agrippa summarizes these three traits well:
I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. (10) Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. (11) And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. (Acts 26:9-11)
This powerful repentance story is strong evidence for the resurrection.
Even a man with this track record can be saved by the grace of God. He “obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Timothy 1:13). The question is, can someone do these things and not being ignorant of what they were doing? If this is the case, does it mean they will not receive mercy? I think this is likely referring to some of his colleagues in his former religion:
Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: (29) But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: (30) Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. (Jesus in Mark 3:28-30)
The scribes in this context clearly saw Jesus working miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit. They clearly understood who He was. Yet, they attributed the Lord’s power to Satan. Paul was clearly not in the crowds that day; when he later had an encounter with Jesus Christ, he was gloriously saved. His “grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant” (1 Timothy 1:14) on that day; His faithfulness and love waxed greatly in this transformative event. This is the same grace that was abundant toward us. We all had sinned willfully before the Lord at some point. Praise God that He is faithful when we are faithless and loved us while we were yet sinners.
1 Timothy 1:15
What do you think of this verse: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15)? This is a phrase that we need to consider for some time. “This is a faithful saying” is something that should be oft repeated. When we think of “sayings,” we think of pithy expressions that are used regularly as a part of our vernacular. Here are some examples:
- When it rains, it pours, as the saying goes.
- An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
- Birds of a feather flock together.
- When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- A penny saved is a penny earned.
- Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
- ...and others.
What is said here in 1 Timothy 1:15 should be incorporated into our daily life and thoughts, as it is “worthy of all acceptation.” Jesus came to save sinners, “of whom I am chief.” Is this talking about Paul? Well, sure, Paul had this mindset. However, this is not the only intent. This is the saying we should often repeat to ourselves: I am the chief sinner. You should consider yourself the chief sinner. We are the only creature who knows our intents and thoughts 100 percent of the time. We know the evils that we have devised. We truly know our need for Jesus the Savior. This saying will keep us humble before the Lord and before other people. This will help us be patient with and loving other sinners.
1 Timothy 1:16
In 1 Timothy 1:16, we see the phrase “I obtained mercy” the second time. The first reason given for Paul’s obtaining mercy was due to his ignorance and unbelief. This time, another reason for his receiving mercy was for testimony’s sake: “that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” Paul’s salvation was an example to many that God can save any and all sinners. It shows God’s patience toward the most ungodly. The most heinous sinners who even were guilty of God’s people could be converted to eternal life.
Do not look to the law for acceptance and salvation. Look to the cross.