Paul’s Testimony

¹² I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened^(A) me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— ¹³ even though I was formerly a blasphemer,^(B) a persecutor,^(C) and an arrogant man.^(D) But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, ¹⁴ and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This saying is trustworthy^(E) and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world^(F) to save sinners”^(G)—and I am the worst of them.^{(H) 16} But I received mercy^(I) for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience^(J) as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.^{(K) 17} Now to the King^(L) eternal,^(M) immortal,^(N) invisible, the only^[a] God,^(O) be honor^(P) and glory^(Q) forever and ever. Amen.^(R)