[1Ti 1:12-17 WEB] 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief: 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them who should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, God the only wise, [be] honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
I have always been moved by Paul's honesty in this section of Scripture. He gives credit where it is due, to Jesus:
- who enabled him, just as He enables us
- counted him faithful, just as He counts us faithful
- putting him into ministry, just as He puts us into ministry
Why Jesus does this, is amazing when we have been guilty of all kinds of sins against Him but like Paul we did so ignorantly and in unbelief. We are all sinners but Christ has a purpose in showing us mercy: so we can be examples to others that if Jesus loves us with all long suffering He can love them in the same way. No one is beyond saving because Christ's sacrifice covers all sins. He is worthy of our worship now and forever.
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