1 Timothy 1:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is a faithful {G4103} saying {G3056}, and {G2532} worthy {G514} of all {G3956} acceptation {G594}, that {G3754} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} came {G2064} into {G1519} the world {G2889} to save {G4982} sinners {G268}; of whom {G3739} I {G1473} am {G1510} chief {G4413}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So here is a statement you can trust, one that fully deserves to be accepted: the Messiah came into the world to save sinners, and I’m the number one sinner!

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 1:15 stands as a foundational declaration of the gospel, affirming the absolute trustworthiness of the truth that Christ Jesus entered the world specifically to rescue humanity from sin. Paul, in a profound act of humility and self-awareness, identifies himself as the foremost example of those sinners Christ came to save, thereby magnifying the boundless grace and mercy of God available to all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful statement is strategically placed within Paul's opening address to Timothy, serving as a pivotal theological anchor. It immediately follows Paul's personal testimony of receiving mercy despite his past as a persecutor of the church ([1 Timothy 1:12-14](/1_timothy/1-12-14 "1 Timothy 1:12-14 - Paul's Thanksgiving for Mercy")). Having established his own transformation as a testament to God's grace, Paul then broadens the scope to articulate the universal purpose of Christ's incarnation. The "faithful saying" acts as a summary of the gospel's core truth, which undergirds all of Paul's subsequent instructions regarding sound doctrine, church leadership, and ethical conduct throughout the letter to Timothy. It sets the stage for the practical guidance that follows by grounding it in the saving work of Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, his protégé, who was ministering in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its diverse religious practices, including the worship of Artemis, and a burgeoning Christian community. Timothy faced challenges from false teachers who were promoting "myths and endless genealogies" ([1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - Warning Against False Teachings")) and legalistic interpretations of the law. In this environment, Paul emphasizes the foundational truth of the gospel as a bulwark against error. The concept of a "faithful saying" (Greek: _pistos logos_) was likely a recognized phrase or creedal statement within the early church, indicating a universally accepted and reliable truth, which would have been crucial for Timothy to uphold in a context ripe for doctrinal deviation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent in Paul's epistles and foundational to Christian doctrine. Firstly, it underscores the **universal need for salvation**, implicitly acknowledging humanity's fallen state as "sinners." Secondly, it highlights the **divine initiative in salvation**, emphasizing that Christ Jesus "came into the world" with a specific, redemptive purpose. This points to God's active pursuit of humanity. Thirdly, Paul's self-designation as the "chief" of sinners profoundly illustrates the **transformative power of God's grace**, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of Christ's saving power, echoing themes found in [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Grace Abounds Over Sin"). Finally, the phrase "faithful saying" itself reinforces the **absolute trustworthiness and reliability of the gospel message**, a theme critical for Timothy's ministry in combating false teachings and upholding sound doctrine, as seen throughout [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "The First Letter to Timothy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós_):** This word describes something that is trustworthy, reliable, and deserving of belief. When applied to a "saying" or "word," it denotes a statement that is absolutely true and can be fully depended upon. In this context, it emphasizes the unwavering truthfulness and certainty of the gospel message concerning Christ's purpose.
* **sinners (Greek, _hamartōlós_):** Derived from the verb "to sin" (_hamartanō_), this term refers to individuals who are characterized by sin, implying a state of alienation from God and a failure to meet His righteous standards. Paul uses it here to broadly categorize humanity as those in need of salvation, highlighting the universal scope of Christ's mission.
* **chief (Greek, _prōtos_):** While often meaning "first" in rank or time, here Paul uses _prōtos_ in a superlative sense to convey that he was preeminent or foremost in his sinfulness. It is an expression of profound humility, indicating that among all those who are sinners, he considered himself the worst, thereby magnifying the extent of God's mercy shown to him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation":** This opening clause serves as a powerful endorsement of the truth that follows. "Faithful saying" (Greek: _pistos logos_) indicates a well-established, reliable, and universally accepted Christian truth. "Worthy of all acceptation" means it deserves to be received, believed, and embraced wholeheartedly by everyone, without reservation, due to its inherent truthfulness and profound significance.
* **"that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners":** This is the core message being affirmed. It succinctly states the primary purpose of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. He did not come for a political agenda or merely to teach, but specifically to deliver humanity from the power, penalty, and presence of sin. This highlights both the dire condition of humanity ("sinners") and the divine, redemptive initiative of Christ.
* **"of whom I am chief":** Paul concludes with a deeply personal and humble confession. By identifying himself as the "chief" or "foremost" of sinners, he emphasizes the magnitude of the grace he received. This is not false modesty but a genuine recognition of his past actions (persecuting the church) and his unworthiness, which paradoxically magnifies the boundless mercy and saving power of Christ. His testimony serves as a living illustration of the truth he just declared.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Affirmation** is evident in the opening phrase, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation," which functions as a strong declaration of truth, demanding universal assent. Paul uses **Confession** in his self-identification as the "chief" of sinners, a deeply personal admission that underscores the depth of his past unrighteousness and the radical nature of his conversion. This confession also serves as a form of **Hyperbole**, as Paul uses an exaggerated statement not to deceive, but to emphasize the profound extent of God's grace and his own unworthiness, making the saving power of Christ even more glorious by contrast. The verse also functions as a **Credo** or a concise statement of belief, encapsulating the fundamental tenet of Christian faith regarding Christ's redemptive mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Timothy 1:15 is a theological cornerstone, succinctly articulating the very heart of the gospel. It underscores the profound truth of human depravity, asserting that all humanity is categorized as "sinners" in need of divine intervention. Yet, it immediately pivots to the glorious truth of God's redemptive love, revealed in the person and work of Christ Jesus. The verse highlights the active, purposeful nature of Christ's coming—He "came into the world to save sinners"—signifying that salvation is not an accidental byproduct but the very reason for His incarnation. Paul's personal testimony, identifying himself as the "chief" of these sinners, serves as a powerful testament to the limitless reach of God's grace, demonstrating that no sin is too great for Christ's atoning work, and no individual is beyond the scope of His mercy. This declaration stands as a beacon of hope, affirming that salvation is a gift freely offered to all who acknowledge their sin and trust in Christ.

* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")
* [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound declaration from Paul offers immense comfort and a powerful call to humility for believers today. It reminds us that the core message of Christianity is not about human achievement or moral perfection, but about the radical, unmerited grace of God extended to those who are utterly undeserving. For anyone burdened by their past sins or present struggles, the truth that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" provides an unshakable foundation of hope and assurance. Paul's willingness to label himself the "chief" of sinners should cultivate in us a similar spirit of humility, preventing self-righteousness and fostering a deeper appreciation for the cost of our salvation. It compels us to live lives marked by gratitude, mercy, and a fervent desire to share this "faithful saying" with a world desperately in need of a Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's declaration, "of whom I am chief," challenge your own perceptions of your sinfulness and God's grace?**
* **In what ways does this "faithful saying" provide comfort and assurance in your personal walk with Christ?**
* **How can you more effectively communicate this core truth—that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—to those around you?**
* **What does "worthy of all acceptation" imply about our response to the gospel message?**

### FAQ

**What is meant by "faithful saying" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "faithful saying" (Greek: _pistos logos_) is a recurring expression in Paul's Pastoral Epistles ([1 Timothy 3:1](/1_timothy/3-1 "1 Timothy 3:1 - Qualifications for Overseers"), [1 Timothy 4:9](/1_timothy/4-9 "1 Timothy 4:9 - Godliness is Profitable"), [2 Timothy 2:11](/2_timothy/2-11 "2 Timothy 2:11 - If We Die With Him"), [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Good Works and Godliness")). It signifies a well-known, foundational, and absolutely trustworthy truth or creedal statement within the early Christian community. Paul uses it to emphasize that the statement about Christ's purpose is not merely his personal opinion but a universally accepted and reliable doctrine that demands full belief and acceptance from all.

**Why does Paul call himself the "chief" of sinners?**

Answer: Paul's self-designation as the "chief" (Greek: _prōtos_, meaning "foremost" or "first") of sinners is a profound expression of humility and a powerful rhetorical device. Before his conversion, Paul (then Saul) was a zealous persecutor of the church, actively seeking to destroy it ([Acts 8:3](/acts/8-3 "Acts 8:3 - Saul Persecutes the Church"), [Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's Persecution")). He considered his actions against Christ's followers to be the ultimate sin, making him uniquely culpable. By calling himself the "chief," he magnifies the extraordinary mercy and grace of God that transformed him, demonstrating that if God could save and use him, then no one is beyond the reach of Christ's redemptive power. It is not false modesty but a genuine recognition of his past and the boundless nature of God's forgiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Timothy 1:15 stands as a quintessential declaration of Christ's redemptive purpose, bringing into sharp focus the very essence of the gospel. The "faithful saying" that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" directly points to His unique identity as the Son of God who willingly entered human history not as a conqueror or a philosopher, but as the suffering servant destined to offer Himself as a propitiation for sin. This verse foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and highlights His role as the [Great Physician who came not for the healthy but for the sick](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Calls Sinners"). Paul's confession, "of whom I am chief," does not diminish Christ but rather magnifies His boundless grace, demonstrating that the Savior's power extends even to the most hardened and rebellious hearts. It underscores that Christ's mission was precisely for those who were lost and without hope, fulfilling His own declaration that the [Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - Jesus Came to Seek and Save the Lost"). Thus, this verse beautifully encapsulates the core of Christ's work: His incarnation, His atoning death, and His power to transform even the chief of sinners into trophies of His grace, ultimately leading to His [exaltation as Lord of all](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard [it], he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 19:10

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 12:47

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

John 1:12

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:

Luke 5:32

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.