I Timothy 1:1-20
Paul often refers to himself (specifically or in general terms) as an “apostle to the Gentiles”. But in the following verse I see him very much as an apostle to the Jews also. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me … Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. (v. 16) That is, in previous verses (vv. 13-15) Paul spoke of his former life as …a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. (v. 13b) Many Jews had to have seen his reversal from persecutor to preacher. I think Paul is saying that it was his former way of life that became a major source of belief for many who turned to Jesus, both Gentiles and Jews. A few days ago I commented that Archbishop Beach has said the same thing about us on a number of occasions, especially as we face these difficult times in our nation, that we Christians must let the world see Jesus in us. We, with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, are the only hope for the world today.
See also: September 15 / I Timothy 1:1-11; September 16 / I Timothy 1:12-20
Thank you for the insights, Fred.
My eyes popped out at verse 10 with the listing of sinners which includes “slave traders”. Given our discussions about what Paul thought about slavery, he seems to have a specific teaching about traders as “contrary to sound teaching that conforms to the glorious gospel…”