I Timothy 1:12-20
Two verses in today’s reading are widely quoted. First, It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. (v. 15) The last portion of that verse beginning with “among” is often left off when that verse is quoted, since it is referring to Paul specifically. And second, Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (v. 17) This verse is occasionally used as a closing prayer. If I were to quote it from memory, I would have said “the only WISE God” – but I could not find that usage in any translation. We often sing a hymn that begins, “Immortal, invisible, God only wise…”, which is probably why I quote the verse incorrectly.
…even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant… (vv. 13-14a) These verses provide a solid argument for Paul’s being the author of this letter; I can’t imagine another writer penning these words, acting as if he were Paul! When I read these verses over and over, together with verse 15 quoted above, I hear real penitence coming from Paul. He must have been really sorry for his former life!
Slava Bohu!
Great points, Fred. I was also struck by v. 19 about care to listen to your conscience, how we will harden if we ignore it. But then Paul follows with the two put out, for incorrect teaching. Somehow I didn’t connect that with conscience, unless Paul is thinking that they were intentionally deceiving as opposed to misguided.
See the King James Version (KJV) for inclusion of “wise” in v. 17, which explains why you (and I) quote the verse “incorrectly”.