And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, (13) although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (14) And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (15) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came unto the world to save sinners of whom I am chief. (16) However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. (17) Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
The letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul. Today’s verses are Paul’s personal testimony and his charge to Timothy. He referred to his own conversion in these verses to encourage Timothy to be faithful in his ministry. If God chose to transform Paul – the worst of sinners – He can do this to anyone. Paul’s life was a before and after story. He went from a meticulous observer of the Law, who persecuted Christians in his zeal for the Law, to be God’s chosen vessel to preach Christ Jesus crucified. He viewed himself as a supreme example of Gods saving grace and this is his testimony , not making excuses but simply stating facts. Paul didn’t oppose Jesus Christ because he wanted to dishonor God but he believed he was serving God by persecuting Christians.
Our verses are not speculations or questions but the fullest assurance that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. Paul received mercy that he might be a pattern of God’s saving grace. He portrayed himself as the worst of the enemies of God who was transformed by God. Paul was the best and most powerful of witnesses that God’s grace abounds over sin and that the work of Christ Jesus was perfect and acceptable. Mercy is an act of God and not earned by Paul/man in any way. We need to understand the fundamental truth of the gospel. It is all of faith in Christ. Our sins are forgotten in Christ – we should remember how much we are forgiven.
In verse 17 Paul breaks out into a doxology – an expression of praise to God. This happened in many of his letters. He was overwhelmed and could not find words to express his gratitude to God and he felt overpowered by the vastness of the gospel. In Romans (11:33 ) he wrote: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”