Bible Phrasing: 1 Timothy 1:12–14

 

Paul has two reasons to thank Christ. 

1) First, Christ has "judged [Paul] faithful." How did God judge Paul to be faithful? By "appointing [Paul] to his service. Despite Paul's reputation of being a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent, God somehow managed to use him. A closer look at the second reason why Paul thanks Christ sheds more light on how God could use Paul for his service.

2) Second, Christ showed Paul mercy. Christ shows Paul mercy because although he was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent, he acted ignorantly in unbelief. So, the cure to Paul's atrocious actions is 1) knowledge of Christ, and 2) trust in what Christ did on the cross for sinners. When Paul encountered Christ, he came to know him personally. After he learned about the work of Christ, his life, death, and resurrection, he came to believe in Christ. It was at that particular moment that the grace of Christ overflowed for Paul. The grace overflowed with faith and love, both of which flowed from Christ Jesus. 

So, Paul is thankful because he was judged to be faithful and because he received mercy. Christ's judgment and the gift of mercy not only fuels Paul's service, but also the service of all who share in the grace that Paul received.