1 Timothy 1:15

Translations

Modern

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

Traditional

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.

Literal

Trustworthy is the word, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

Latin

Fidelis sermo, et omni acceptione dignus: quod Christus Jesus venit in hunc mundum peccatores salvos facere, quorum primus ego sum.

Original

Greek

English

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.

Notes

1 Timothy 1:15

This is a trustworthy saying: This phrase appears only in the letters to Timothy and Titus (1 Timothy 3:1; 4:8–9; 2 Timothy 2:11–13; Titus 3:4–8). These sayings are probably quotes from tradition that Paul has adapted for the current situation. The saying emphasizes the mercy shown to Paul, but it also offers correction to the false teachers. The saying emphasizes Christ's arrival in history to save sinners.

This saying was probably being suppressed in some way by the false teachers, who focused on:

law (1 Timothy 1:7),

special knowledge (6:20; see also Titus 1:16), and
rules like those in 1 Timothy 4:3 (see also Colossians 2:16–23).

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) Apostasy and Renewal

Related verses

Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
John 3:16–17
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 12:47
As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
John 1:12
But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—
Luke 5:32
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Romans 5:8–10
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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.
Matthew 20:28
…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 9:13
But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
1 John 4:9–10
This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.
1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Incarnation Mercy Timothy, First Letter to

Topics

Being Sad Humility: Exemplified Jesus, the Christ: Mission of Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Jesus Christ Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Salvation: Christ: Came to Effect

1 Timothy 1:15

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