One of the statements Paul uses frequently through out the Pastoral Epistles is the phrase “this is a trustworthy saying…” He uses it at least five times throughout the Pastoral Epistles, three of which are in 1 Timothy alone.
The first is found in this week’s passage, 1 Timothy 1:15-16:
Five times Paul uses this phrase, each time signifying that he is about to say something that is worth listening to. Here is the first example. The others are found in 1 Timothy 3:1, 1 Timothy 4:9, 2 Timothy 2:11, and Titus 3:8.
Each time Paul uses this, he then makes a statement that carries a lot of weight. It may be a phrase his readers would have been familiar with, maybe even part of a hymn or something frequently expounded upon in the sermons his readers have heard. Whatever the origin, the statement carries authority: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Paul uses this phrase to emphasize two of the foundational elements of our faith, Christ’s birth and his death on the cross. By including both the incarnation and our redemption, Paul establishes his point that Christ came, and that he came to save.
But then he makes it personal by adding the extension onto the end of the phrase that he is the worst of sinners. This should be the attitude of us all. Christ came to save us, even though we don’t deserve it. Christ came to rescue us, even though we are sinners of the worst kind. Christ came to redeem us, in spite of our sin and failures.
But why?
Paul goes on to say that Christ’s act of mercy was to display his patience in us, so that others could see it and believe.
If God can be patient with Paul, or with me, and still extend his grace to Paul, or to me, then he can do so to anyone who decides to accept that forgiveness and step into eternal life.
And if that isn’t a reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is.
Have you ever thought about yourself being the chiefest of sinners? How does that make you feel? It brings a new appreciation of God’s grace, doesn’t it? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Wow! no comments? This is a wonderful verse and beautiful commentary. Thank you Jeff for this. Looks like you posted almost exactly five years ago. What a good and loving God, who becomes our Father when we put our faith in His Son, He is. Amen!
Thanks for the encouraging comment! I love the letters of Paul to Timothy and Titus, they are full of practical and encouraging information. I’m glad that you feel blessed by it!
Jeff, may I ask your take regarding the times we are in and your interpretation of end times prophecy?