1 Timothy 1:12-17

GOD’S WORD Translation

God’s Mercy to Paul

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord that he has trusted me and has appointed me to do his work with the strength he has given me. ¹³ In the past I cursed him, persecuted him, and acted arrogantly toward him. However, I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in my unbelief. ¹⁴ Our Lord was very kind ^[a] to me. Through his kindness he brought me to faith and gave me the love that Christ Jesus shows people.

¹⁵ This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the foremost sinner. ¹⁶ However, I was treated with mercy so that Christ Jesus could use me, the foremost sinner, to demonstrate his patience. This patience serves as an example for those who would believe in him and live forever. ¹⁷ Worship and glory belong forever to the eternal king, the immortal, invisible, and only God. Amen.