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.