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1 Timothy 1:16

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

1 Timothy 1:16

Verse 16 of 20

Scripture focus

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.

1 Timothy 1:16 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:16

Theological / Devotional

Cause. Paul becomes a model of what God can do with any man even though he may at one time have been insolent, a blasphemer, and a persecutor (see on v. 13). Thus, any man may reason that if God had enough patience and love to forgive a man as sinful as Paul, then He must have enough patience and love to forgive him also. Jesus bore long with Paul, knowing that his conversion would become a source of encouragement for men in all ages.

Jesus Christ. The glory of Paul’s conversion was the revelation of Christ’s long-suffering and love, which are extended to all men.

Pattern. Or, “example,” that is, of what God can do with any man who submits to His love. In saying that he was “chief” (v. 15), or first, Paul does not mean that he was Christ’s only example of divine patience. Every convert is a living monument, or “pattern,” of the unfathomable love and long-suffering of God.

Believe. Or, “trust” (see on Rom. 3:3).

By SdaBc