Paul’s Thankfulness for the Mercy Shown to Him

12 I give thanks[a] to the one who strengthens me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful, placing me into ministry,[b] 13 although I[c] was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, but I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord abounded with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But because of this I was shown mercy, in order that in me foremost, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his total patience, for an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, to the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever[d]. Amen.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 1:12 Literally “I have thankfulness”
  2. 1 Timothy 1:12 Or “service”
  3. 1 Timothy 1:13 Here “although” is supplied as a component of the participle (“was”) which is understood as concessive
  4. 1 Timothy 1:17 Literally “to the ages of the ages”

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,(A) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.(B) 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor(C) and a violent man, I was shown mercy(D) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.(E) 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,(F) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.(G)

15 Here is a trustworthy saying(H) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners(I)—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy(J) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience(K) as an example for those who would believe(L) in him and receive eternal life.(M) 17 Now to the King(N) eternal, immortal,(O) invisible,(P) the only God,(Q) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.(R)

Read full chapter