Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, his young charge in Ephesus, pausing mid-argument to insert himself as the proof-text for the claim in verse 15.
The words — πρῶτος (prōtos) literally means "foremost" or "first," not "worst"; the BSB's "worst of sinners" is an interpretive gloss that softens the word's actual force. Paul calls himself the leading case, the one who stands at the front of the line of sinners Christ saves.
The thread — Ephesians 2:7 mirrors the purpose clause: Christ displays the surpassing riches of His grace in believers for the coming ages. 1 Timothy 1:13 supplies the specific sins (blasphemy, persecution, violence) that make Paul's "foremost" claim concrete.
Why it lands — The verse does not ask the reader to feel sorry for Paul; it asks them to recognize that they are the intended audience of a display whose purpose is to produce belief for eternal life.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 1:13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
- Ephesians 2:7 in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
- Psalms 25:11 For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, for it is great.
- 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.
- Luke 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”
- 1 John 5:11 And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
- 2 Peter 3:15 Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him.
- John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. Whoever rejects the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.”
- John 6:54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
- John 20:31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.