1 Timothy 1:13

Translations

Modern

I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

Traditional

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Literal

…formerly being a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolent; but I was shown mercy, because, being ignorant, I did it in unbelief.

Latin

…qui prius blasphemus fui, et persecutor, et contumeliosus: sed misericordiam Dei consecutus sum, quia ignorans feci in incredulitate.

Original

Greek

English

I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

Notes

1 Timothy 1:12–17

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord: This expression of thanks is a side note from Paul’s message to Timothy (1:3–11, 18–20). Paul’s role in proclaiming the good news about Jesus prompts gratitude and shows why he is thankful (1:11). It also serves as a model for readers. When discussing his work, Paul gives credit to God and makes it evident he is doing God's work (see also 2 Corinthians 1:21–22; 2:14–17; 3:4–6; 4:7; 12:9–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Related verses

Acts 8:3
But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
Hebrews 6:4–8
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
1 Peter 2:10
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Acts 9:13
But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
2 Peter 2:21–22
It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them.
Hebrews 10:26–29
If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,
Acts 3:17
And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Luke 23:34
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.
John 9:39–41
Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.”
Acts 22:4
I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison,
Luke 12:47
That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.

Glossary

Mercy Paul the Apostle Timothy, First Letter to

Topics

Blasphemy: The Early Christians, Persecuted by Saul of Tarsus, Compelled to Blaspheme the Name of Jesus Christian Minister: Call of Ignorance of God: Paul Ignorance: Sins of Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works Paul: His Vision and Conversion Persecution: Spirit of Paul The Mercy of God: Paul Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Unbelief: Saul

1 Timothy 1:13

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