1 Timothy 1:16
But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
But for this very reason
This phrase indicates a purposeful action by God. The Greek word "διὰ τοῦτο" (dia touto) suggests a cause or purpose. Paul is emphasizing that there is a divine intention behind his experience of mercy. Historically, this reflects the transformative power of God's grace, which is a central theme in Christian doctrine. It underscores the belief that God's actions are intentional and purposeful, aimed at fulfilling His divine plan.

I was shown mercy
The Greek word for "mercy" here is "ἠλεήθην" (ēleēthēn), which conveys compassion and kindness. In the context of Paul's life, this mercy is profound, considering his past as a persecutor of Christians. This highlights the transformative power of God's grace, which is available to all, regardless of past sins. It serves as a reminder of the boundless nature of divine forgiveness and the hope it offers to believers.

so that in me, the worst of sinners
Paul refers to himself as the "worst of sinners," using the Greek word "πρῶτος" (prōtos), meaning foremost or chief. This self-description is a humble acknowledgment of his past transgressions. It serves to magnify the grace of God, showing that if someone like Paul can be redeemed, then anyone can. This phrase is a powerful testament to the inclusivity of the Gospel message, emphasizing that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience
The phrase "perfect patience" is translated from the Greek "τὴν ἅπασαν μακροθυμίαν" (tēn hapasan makrothumian), which denotes an enduring patience. This patience is not passive but active, demonstrating Christ's willingness to bear with humanity's failings. Historically, this reflects the long-suffering nature of God throughout the biblical narrative, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, where God continually offers opportunities for repentance and redemption.

as an example to those who would believe in Him
The word "example" comes from the Greek "ὑποτύπωσιν" (hypotypōsin), meaning a pattern or model. Paul's transformation serves as a template for others, illustrating the potential for change and redemption through faith in Christ. This is a call to believers to see Paul's life as a testament to the power of faith and the possibility of a new beginning, regardless of one's past.

for eternal life
"Eternal life" is translated from the Greek "ζωὴν αἰώνιον" (zōēn aiōnion), which refers to the life everlasting promised to believers. This concept is central to Christian eschatology, offering hope and assurance of a future with God. It underscores the ultimate goal of the Christian faith, which is not just moral transformation in this life but the promise of an unending relationship with God in the life to come. This promise of eternal life is a cornerstone of Christian hope and motivation for living a life of faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)
The apostle who wrote the letter to Timothy. Once a persecutor of Christians, he became a devoted follower of Christ and a key figure in the early Church.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, to whom this letter is addressed. Timothy was entrusted with leading the church in Ephesus.

3. Christ Jesus
The central figure of Christianity, whose life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of the faith. In this verse, His perfect patience is highlighted.

4. Ephesus
The city where Timothy was leading the church. It was a major center of early Christianity and a place where Paul had previously ministered.

5. The Early Church
The community of believers in the first century who were spreading the message of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire.
Teaching Points
The Transformative Power of Mercy
God's mercy can transform even the "worst of sinners" into vessels of His grace and purpose. Paul's life is a testament to the radical change that God's mercy can bring.

Christ's Perfect Patience
Jesus' patience is perfect and serves as an example for believers. It encourages us to be patient with others, reflecting Christ's character in our interactions.

An Example for Believers
Paul's transformation serves as an example for all who would believe. It reassures us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace and that our past does not define our future in Christ.

The Call to Share Our Testimony
Like Paul, believers are called to share their testimonies of how Christ has worked in their lives. This can inspire and encourage others to seek and trust in Jesus for eternal life.

Living with Eternal Perspective
Understanding that our lives are examples to others, we should live with an eternal perspective, focusing on how our actions and words can lead others to faith in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's transformation from persecutor to apostle demonstrate the power of God's mercy in your own life?

2. In what ways can you reflect Christ's perfect patience in your daily interactions with others?

3. How can Paul's example encourage you to share your testimony with those who do not yet believe?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on leading others to faith in Christ?

5. How do the accounts of transformation in the Bible, such as Paul's, inspire you to trust in God's ability to change lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 9
This chapter details Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus, illustrating the dramatic change in his life and the mercy he received from Christ.

Romans 5:8
This verse speaks of God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice for sinners, paralleling the mercy shown to Paul.

2 Peter 3:9
This passage highlights God's patience, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance, similar to the patience displayed in Paul's life.
A Test CaseAlexander Maclaren1 Timothy 1:16
An Encouraging ReflectionJ. Flavel.1 Timothy 1:16
Encouragement from the Case of St. PaulC. H. Spurgeon.1 Timothy 1:16
John Newton's ConversionJ. Newton.1 Timothy 1:16
On Patterns in ReligionE. White.1 Timothy 1:16
Paul an Example of MercyT. Kidd.1 Timothy 1:16
Paul's Conversion a PatternC. H. Spurgeon.1 Timothy 1:16
Praise for SalvationA. Rowland, LL. B.1 Timothy 1:16
Salvation for the Chief of SinnersE. Bayley, M. A.1 Timothy 1:16
Saul of Tarsus Obtaining MercyJ. Alexander.1 Timothy 1:16
The Character and Conversion of Saul of TarsusJ. Sherman.1 Timothy 1:16
The Divine Mercy UnlimitedS. Charnock.1 Timothy 1:16
Personal DigressionR. Finlayson 1 Timothy 1:12-17
The Apostle an Example of the Divine Long-Suffering to All AgesT. Croskery 1 Timothy 1:16, 17
People
Alexander, Hymenaeus, Paul, Sodomites, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Ephesus, Macedonia
Topics
Afterwards, Age-during, Ages, Believe, Cause, Chief, Christ, Clear, Delineation, Demonstrate, Display, Encourage, Ensample, Eternal, Everlasting, Example, Faith, Foremost, Forth, Fulness, Future, Hereafter, Howbeit, However, Kindness, Longsuffering, Long-suffering, Mercy, Obtained, Order, Patience, Pattern, Perfect, Reason, Receive, Received, Resting, Shew, Shewn, Shown, Sinners, Thereafter, Unlimited, View, Worst, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Timothy 1:16

     2060   Christ, patience of
     2339   Christ, example of
     5762   attitudes, God to people
     5977   waiting
     6646   eternal life, gift
     6690   mercy, response to God's
     7944   ministry, qualifications
     8020   faith
     8318   patience
     8428   example

1 Timothy 1:12-16

     8426   evangelism, motivation

1 Timothy 1:14-16

     6689   mercy, of Christ
     8261   generosity, God's

1 Timothy 1:15-16

     5037   mind, of Christ
     6040   sinners

Library
'The Gospel of the Glory of the Happy God'
'The glorious gospel of the blessed God.'--1 TIM. i. 11. Two remarks of an expository character will prepare the way for our consideration of this text. The first is, that the proper rendering is that which is given in the Revised Version--'the gospel of the glory,' not the 'glorious gospel.' The Apostle is not telling us what kind of thing the Gospel is, but what it is about. He is dealing not with its quality, but with its contents. It is a Gospel which reveals, has to do with, is the manifestation
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Gospel in Small
'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.'--1 TIM. i. 15. Condensation is a difficult art. There are few things drier and more unsatisfactory than small books on great subjects, abbreviated statements of large systems. Error lurks in summaries, and yet here the whole fulness of God's communication to men is gathered into a sentence; tiny as a diamond, and flashing like it. My text is the one precious drop of essence, distilled
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Chief of Sinners
'Of whom I am chief.'--1 TIM. i. 15. The less teachers of religion talk about themselves the better; and yet there is a kind of personal reference, far removed from egotism and offensiveness. Few such men have ever spoken more of themselves than Paul did, and yet none have been truer to his motto: 'We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus.' For the scope of almost all his personal references is the depreciation of self, and the magnifying of the wonderful mercy which drew him to Jesus Christ. Whenever
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Test Case
'Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe.'--1 TIM. i. 16. The smallest of God's creatures, if it were only a gnat dancing in a sunbeam, has a right to have its well-being considered as an end of God's dealings. But no creature is so isolated or great as that it has a right to have its well-being regarded as the sole end of God's dealings. That is true about all His blessings and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Glory of the King
'Now, unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.'--1 TIM. i. 17. With this burst of irrepressible praise the Apostle ends his reference to his own conversion as a transcendent, standing instance of the infinite love and transforming power of God. Similar doxologies accompany almost all his references to the same fact. This one comes from the lips of 'Paul the aged,' looking back from almost the close of a life which owed many sorrows
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ.
"For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh." Few characters more remarkable than that of St. Paul, are to be found in history. He is introduced to our acquaintance on a tragical occasion--the martyrdom of Stephen, where he appears an accomplice with murderers--"he was standing by and consenting to his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him." The circumstances of Paul's conversion to Christianity were very remarkable, and
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Lawful and Unlawful Use of Law.
Preached June 27, 1852. THE LAWFUL AND UNLAWFUL USE OF LAW. (A FRAGMENT.) "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully."--1 Tim. i. 8. It is scarcely ever possible to understand a passage without some acquaintance with the history of the circumstances under which it was written. At Ephesus, over which Timothy was bishop, people had been bewildered by the teaching of converted Jews, who mixed the old leaven of Judaism with the new spirituality of Christianity. They maintained the
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

The Glorious Gospel
Our text is one that pride would never prompt a man to select. It is quite impossible to flourish about it, it is so simple. Human nature is apt to cry, "Well I cannot preach upon that text--it is too plain; there is no mystery in it; I cannot show my learning: it is just a plain, common-sense announcement--I scarcely would wish to take it, for it lowers the man, however much it may exalt the Master." So, expect nothing but the text from me this morning, and the simplest possible explanation of it.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

"Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart, and a Good Conscience, and Faith Unfeigned. "
[It is extremely probable that this was one of the probationary discourses which the author delivered before the Presbytery of Glasgow, previous to his ordination. The following is an extract from the Record of that Presbytery: "Dec. 5, 1649. The qlk daye Mr. Hew Binnen made his popular sermon 1 Tim. i. ver. 5 'The end of ye commandment is charity.'--Ordaines Mr. Hew Binnen to handle his controversie this day fifteen dayes, De satisfactione Christi."--Ed.] 1 Tim. ii. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ.
IF we seriously consider with our selves that Wonder of all Wonders, that Mystery of all Mysteries, the Incarnation of the Son of God, it may justly strike us into Astonishment, and an Admiration what should be the reason and the end of it; why the great and glorious, the almighty and eternal God, should take our weak and finite Nature into his infinite and incomprehensible Person; why the Creator of all things should himself become a Creature; and he that made the World be himself made into it;
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Communion of Gifts.
"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned."--1 Tim. i. 5. Communion of goods in Jerusalem was a symbol. It typified the communion of the spiritual goods which constituted the real treasure of Jerusalem's saints. The other inhabitants of that city possessed houses, fields, furniture, gold, and silver just as well as the saints, and perhaps in greater abundance. But the latter were to receive riches which neither Jew, Roman, nor
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. ...
Humility is the root of charity, and meekness the fruit of both. There is no solid and pure ground of love to others, except the rubbish of self-love be first cast out of the soul; and when that superfluity of naughtiness is cast out, then charity hath a solid and deep foundation: "The end of the command is charity out of a pure heart," 1 Tim. i. 5. It is only such a purified heart, cleansed from that poison and contagion of pride and self-estimation, that can send out such a sweet and wholesome
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of Lies are Many Sorts, which Indeed All...
4. Of lies are many sorts, which indeed all, universally, we ought to hate. For there is no lie that is not contrary to truth. For, as light and darkness, piety and impiety, justice and iniquity, sin and right-doing, health and weakness, life and death, so are truth and a lie contrary the one to the other. Whence by how much we love the former, by so much ought we to hate the latter. Yet in truth there be some lies which to believe does no harm: although even by such sort of lie to wish to deceive,
St. Augustine—Against Lying

The Joy that was Set Before Him
T. P. I Tim. i. 15 From the palace of His glory, From the radiance and the rest, Came the Son of God to seek me, Bear me home upon His breast. There from that eternal brightness Did His thoughts flow forth to me-- He in His great love would have me Ever there with Him to be. Far away, undone, forsaken, Not for Him my heart was sore; But for need and bitter hunger-- Christ desired I nevermore. Could it be that in the glory, Ere of Him I had a thought, He was yearning o'er the lost one, Whom His
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

But Regard the Troops of virgins, Holy Boys and Girls...
37. But regard the troops of virgins, holy boys and girls: this kind hath been trained up in Thy Church: there for Thee it hath been budding from its mother's breasts; for Thy Name it hath loosed its tongue to speak, Thy Name, as through the milk of its infancy, it hath had poured in and hath sucked, no one of this number can say, "I, who before was a blasphemer, and persecutor, and injurious, but I obtained mercy, in that I did in being ignorant, in unbelief." [2130] Yea more, that, which Thou commandedst
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Blessed Hope and Its Power
PHILIPPIANS iii. 17-21 The problem of the body--Cautions and tears--"That blessed hope"--The duty of warning--The moral power of the hope--The hope full of immortality--My mother's life--"He is able"--The promise of his coming The Apostle draws to the close of his appeal for a true and watchful fidelity to the Gospel. He has done with his warning against Judaistic legalism. He has expounded, in the form of a personal confession and testimony, the true Christian position, the acceptance of the
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

Epistle iii. To Constantius, Bishop.
To Constantius, Bishop. Gregory to Constantius, Bishop of Mediolanum. It has come to my knowledge that certain bishops of your diocese, seeking out rather than finding an occasion, have attempted to sever themselves from the unity of your Fraternity, saying that thou hadst given a security [1524] at the Roman city for thy condemnation of the three Chapters. And the fact is that they say this because they do not know how I am accustomed to trust thy Fraternity even without security. For if there
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace.
Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace. Although this gift and inward grace of God be sufficient to work out salvation, yet in those in whom it is resisted, it both may and doth become their condemnation. Moreover, they in whose hearts it hath wrought in part to purify and sanctify them in order to their further perfection, may, by disobedience, fall from it, turn it to wantonness, Jude iv. make shipwreck of faith, 1 Tim. i. 19. and after having tasted the heavenly gift,
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
"Go and inquire for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth."--ACTS ix. 11. "For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting."--1 TIM. i. 16. God took His own Son, and made Him our Example and our Pattern. It sometimes is as if the power of Christ's example is lost in the thought that He, in whom is no sin, is not man as we are. Our Lord took Paul, a man
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Addresses on Holiness,
IN EXETER HALL. FIRST ADDRESS. I think it must be self-evident to everyone present that it is the most important question that can possibly occupy the mind of man--how much like God we can be--how near to God we can come on earth preparatory to our being perfectly like Him, and living, as it were, in His very heart for ever and ever in Heaven. Anyone who has any measure of the Spirit of God, must perceive that this is the most important question on which we can concentrate our thoughts; and the
Catherine Booth—Godliness

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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