Bible Phrasing: 1 Timothy 1:15–17

1 Timothy 1:15–17 continues Paul's thanksgiving that began in verse 12. In verse 14, Paul is thankful for having received Christ's abundant grace which overflowed in faith and love. 

Now, Paul addresses his personal relationship to the gospel message. 

1) First, Paul introduces the good news that Christ came into the world to save sinners with a formula ("the saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance") that appears only in the pastoral epistles ( 1 Timothy 3:1; 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8). 

The saying reveals three important truths:  

 A) Christ Jesus came into the world 

        -Jesus is the Christ. 
        -And he came into the world, meaning that Jesus is in the flesh. 
        -And finally, Jesus came into the world -- the arena where we would display his purpose.  

 B) to save -- The verb shows Christ's purpose for coming into the world

C) sinners -- Jesus came to save sinners who are in the world, meaning all of humanity. 

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance because it reveals the true identity of Christ, his purpose, and the true identity of humanity. 

2) Second, Paul addresses his relationship to the true saying: he is the foremost of sinners. 

• It's unlikely Paul is referring to himself as a foremost sinner prior to his coming to faith in Jesus. Paul would have been ignorant of his sinfulness (1 Timothy 1:13). 
• It is more likely he became aware of his sinfulness after encountering Jesus Christ. As he reflects on his conversion years later, Paul has become even more keenly aware of his sin, which leads him to declare his status as a foremost sinner. 

3) Third, Paul gives a reason for the mercy he received. 

• As the foremost of sinners, Paul's life is a suitable place for Christ to display his perfect patience. The fact that Christ saves sinners is indeed a mark of Christ's perfect patience. 
• As the foremost of sinners, Paul's life is an example to those who were to believe in Christ. The fact that Paul is an example is owing to the mercy of Christ in using Paul's life to display his perfect patience. Indeed, Paul can only be considered an example insofar as his life displays Christ's mercy and patience. 

4) Finally, Paul's reflection on Christ's saving work in him leads to worship. The doxology in verse 17 is simple and straightforward.  

• Paul acknowledges God as the King of the ages, who is 
• Immortal -- never dying, but alive forever
• Invisible -- never seen, but present everywhere
• the only God -- never divided, always united
• Paul declares his praise of honor and glory, forever and ever.