1 Timothy 1:12-17

Expanded Bible

Thanks for God’s Mercy

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who gave me strength, because he ·trusted me [considered me trustworthy/faithful] and ·gave me this work of serving him [placed me in his service; appointed me to ministry]. ¹³ [Even though] In the past I ·spoke against Christ [^Lwas a blasphemer] and persecuted him and ·did all kinds of things to hurt him [was an arrogant/insolent/violent man; Acts 8:3]. But God showed me mercy, because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ¹⁴ But the grace of our Lord ·was fully given [overflowed; abounded] to me, and with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ ·What I say is true [or This saying/word is trustworthy; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Titus 3:8], and ·you should fully accept it [^Lworthy of full acceptance; ^Cwhat follows may be an early Christian hymn]: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the ·worst [^Lfirst; foremost]. ¹⁶ But [^Lfor that reason] I was given mercy so that in me, the worst of all sinners, Christ Jesus could show that he has ·unlimited [immense; perfect; ^Lall] patience. His patience with me made me an example for those who would believe in him and have ·life forever [eternal life]. ¹⁷ To the ·King who rules forever [eternal King; ^LKing of the ages], ·who will never die [immortal; incorruptible], ·who cannot be seen [invisible], the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.