1 Timothy 1:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Howbeit {G235} for this {G5124} cause {G1223} I obtained mercy {G1653}, that {G2443} in {G1722} me {G1698} first {G4413} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} might shew forth {G1731} all {G3956} longsuffering {G3115}, for {G4314} a pattern {G5296} to them which should hereafter {G3195} believe {G4100} on {G1909} him {G846} to {G1519} life {G2222} everlasting {G166}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But this is precisely why I received mercy — so that in me, as the number one sinner, Yeshua the Messiah might demonstrate how very patient he is, as an example to those who would later come to trust in him and thereby have eternal life.

Berean Standard Bible

But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

American Standard Version

howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 1:16, articulates a profound truth regarding the purpose of his own radical conversion. He explains that he received God's mercy not only for his personal salvation but primarily so that Jesus Christ could demonstrate the fullness of His longsuffering through him. Paul's transformed life, from persecutor to apostle, was intended by God to serve as a living pattern, providing assurance and hope to all future believers that through faith in Christ, they too can receive eternal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation and explanation of Paul's preceding declaration in [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Paul, the Chief of Sinners"), where he famously states, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." Having established his profound unworthiness and the universal truth of Christ's saving mission, Paul now elaborates on the divine rationale behind his own salvation. The passage as a whole ([1 Timothy 1:12-17](/1_timothy/1-12-17 "1 Timothy 1:12-17 - Paul's Thanksgiving for Mercy")) serves as a personal testimony embedded within Paul's broader instructions to Timothy on sound doctrine and church leadership, providing a powerful example of the grace he preaches. It grounds the theological principles in a lived experience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, originally named Saul, was a highly educated and zealous Pharisee who actively persecuted the nascent Christian church, even consenting to the stoning of Stephen ([Acts 7:58](/acts/7-58 "Acts 7:58 - Stephen's Martyrdom")). His dramatic, supernatural conversion on the road to Damascus ([Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - The Conversion of Saul")) was a well-known and astonishing event in early Christian history. His past as a persecutor made him, in his own eyes, the least deserving of God's grace, yet he became the most prolific apostle. This historical backdrop highlights the extraordinary nature of the mercy he received and the unparalleled patience of Christ, making his testimony in this verse particularly impactful for both his contemporary audience and future generations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes found throughout Paul's epistles and the New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Grace and Mercy**, emphasizing that salvation is a free gift from God, unearned by human merit, as also articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). It also highlights **God's Longsuffering (Patience)**, demonstrating His willingness to extend grace even to those who vigorously oppose Him, a characteristic of God revealed throughout scripture (e.g., [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord's Patience")). Furthermore, Paul's role as a "pattern" underscores the **Evangelistic Purpose of Transformed Lives**, where individual salvation serves as a public witness to God's power and a beacon of hope for others, echoing the call for believers to be [Christ's ambassadors](/2_corinthians/5-20 "2 Corinthians 5:20 - Ambassadors for Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Greek, _eleéō'_):** From G1653, meaning "to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)." Paul's statement "I obtained mercy" underscores that his salvation was not a result of his efforts or worthiness, but a compassionate act of divine grace. This emphasizes the unmerited favor of God, who chose to intervene in his life despite his active hostility towards the church.
* **Longsuffering (Greek, _makrothymía'_):** From G3115, meaning "longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude." This term describes God's profound patience and slowness to anger. In Paul's context, it refers to Christ's extraordinary forbearance in not immediately punishing Paul for his persecution, but instead, extending grace and waiting for the opportune moment to reveal Himself and bring about Paul's conversion. It speaks to the depth of God's enduring patience with humanity.
* **Pattern (Greek, _hypotýpōsis'_):** From G5296, meaning "typification under (after), i.e. (concretely) a sketch (figuratively) for imitation." This word signifies a model, an outline, or a clear example. Paul's radical conversion and subsequent life are presented not merely as *an* example, but as *the* definitive demonstration or blueprint of Christ's limitless longsuffering and saving power. It is a tangible, illustrative case designed to assure all future believers that no one is beyond the reach of God's transformative grace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy":** Paul begins by emphasizing the deliberate, purposeful nature of his salvation. The transitional phrase "howbeit" (G235, _allá'_) contrasts with his self-designation as the "chief of sinners," highlighting that despite his profound unworthiness, he was the recipient of divine mercy, not by chance, but for a specific, redemptive reason.
* **"that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering":** This clause reveals the primary divine intention behind Paul's conversion. He was chosen as the foremost (G4413, _prōtos'_) recipient of this extraordinary grace so that Jesus Christ could fully "shew forth" (G1731, _endeíknymi'_) or display the entirety of His boundless "longsuffering" (G3115, _makrothymía'_). Paul's radical transformation from a persecutor to a devoted apostle served as the ultimate demonstration of Christ's immense patience and forbearance.
* **"for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting":** This final phrase clarifies the broader, ultimate purpose of Paul's exemplary salvation. His life serves as a "pattern" (G5296, _hypotýpōsis'_), a living illustration, for all future generations who would "believe on him" (G4100, _pisteúō'_). The ultimate outcome of this belief is "to life everlasting" (G1519, _eis'_ G2222, _zōḗ'_ G166, _aiṓnios'_), emphasizing that the same saving grace and eternal destiny are available to all who place their faith in Christ, regardless of their past.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse to convey his profound theological message. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Autobiographical Testimony**, using his personal, dramatic conversion story to illustrate universal truths about God's character and the availability of salvation. This personal narrative lends immense credibility and emotional weight to his teaching. The phrase "in me first" serves as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, not suggesting chronological priority, but rather that Paul was the preeminent example of a sinner receiving such profound mercy, thereby highlighting the extreme nature of Christ's grace. The term "pattern" acts as a potent **Metaphor**, transforming Paul's individual experience into a universal blueprint or template. This metaphor assures future believers that if God could save him, He can save anyone. Finally, the verse's clear articulation of purpose ("that... might shew forth... for a pattern") exemplifies **Didactic Purpose**, as Paul uses his own life to teach a fundamental lesson about divine grace, longsuffering, and the path to eternal life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Timothy 1:16 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of God's grace and sovereignty in salvation. It unequivocally asserts that salvation is not a reward for human merit but a sovereign act of divine mercy, freely given. Paul's radical transformation from persecutor to apostle serves as the ultimate demonstration of God's boundless longsuffering, proving that no sin is too great for His forgiveness and no individual is beyond the reach of His redemptive power. This truth provides immense hope and assurance, emphasizing that the door to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ is open to all, regardless of their past or perceived unworthiness.

* [Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Grace Abounds Over Sin")
* [Titus 3:4-5](/titus/3-4-5 "Titus 3:4-5 - God's Kindness and Mercy")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - God's Abundant Pardon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's testimony in 1 Timothy 1:16 stands as an enduring testament to the limitless power of God's grace and the depth of His longsuffering. For anyone who feels their past sins are too egregious, their failures too numerous, or their unworthiness too profound to be forgiven, Paul's life offers a powerful rebuttal. He, the chief of sinners, became the chief example of mercy, demonstrating that God's grace is always greater than our sin. This verse calls us to humble ourselves before a God whose patience knows no bounds, inviting us to repent and place our trust in Christ, confident that His forgiveness is absolute and His transforming power is real. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider how our own lives, transformed by grace, can serve as a "pattern" for others. As recipients of such extraordinary mercy, we are called to live in a way that reflects God's character, inspiring hope and drawing others to believe in the Savior who offers everlasting life to all who call upon His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's radical transformation from persecutor to apostle deepen your understanding of God's capacity to forgive and redeem?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to lean more fully on God's "longsuffering" and patience, both for yourself and for others?**
* **Considering Paul as a "pattern," how might your own story of God's grace be used to encourage someone else to believe in Christ?**
* **What past or present struggles might make you feel unworthy of God's mercy, and how does the truth of this verse speak directly to those feelings?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul describe himself as "first" or "chief" among sinners?**

Answer: Paul's declaration in [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Paul, the Chief of Sinners") that he was the "chief of sinners" and that Christ showed longsuffering "in me first" is not a chronological claim but an emphatic expression of his profound humility and deep awareness of his pre-conversion sin. He saw himself as the quintessential example of someone who actively opposed God and His people, particularly through his zealous persecution of Christians ([Acts 8:3](/acts/8-3 "Acts 8:3 - Saul's Persecution of the Church")). By calling himself "first," he meant he was the most prominent or egregious example of a sinner, thereby making his subsequent conversion an even more striking display of God's extraordinary mercy and longsuffering. This served as a powerful "pattern" for all who would later believe, assuring them that if God could save him, He could save anyone.

**What does "longsuffering" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: "Longsuffering" (Greek: _makrothymía_) refers to God's immense patience and forbearance, His slowness to anger, and His willingness to endure provocation and delay judgment. In the context of [1 Timothy 1:16](/1_timothy/1-16 "1 Timothy 1:16 - Paul's Example of Longsuffering"), it highlights Christ's incredible patience with Paul, who was actively persecuting His followers. Instead of immediate retribution, Christ intervened with grace, transforming Paul's life. This attribute of God is significant because it assures believers that God is not quick to condemn but is abundant in mercy, giving ample opportunity for repentance and faith, even to those who have been His adversaries. It demonstrates the depth of God's love and His desire for all to come to salvation, as seen in [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord's Patience for All").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Timothy 1:16 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Paul's experience of obtaining mercy and being transformed is not an isolated miracle but a direct outflow of Christ's atoning sacrifice and His ongoing intercession. It is Christ who embodies the "longsuffering" that Paul received, demonstrating His divine patience and willingness to save even His enemies. The "life everlasting" to which believers are called is found exclusively "on him," meaning through faith in Christ's perfect life, substitutionary death, and victorious resurrection. Paul's life, therefore, serves as a living testament to the truth that Christ came specifically "to save sinners" ([1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Came to Save Sinners")), and that His grace is more than sufficient for every need ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). The "pattern" Paul became points directly to Christ as the sole object and source of saving faith, echoing the universal call to believe in the [Son of God for eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") and to experience the radical new creation found only in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Thus, Paul's personal testimony becomes a powerful evangelistic tool, showcasing the boundless love and transforming power of the Risen Lord who continues to offer salvation to all.

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

1 Timothy 1:13

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

Luke 7:47

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.

Ephesians 2:7

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 3:9

¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Psalms 25:11

For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it [is] great.

1 John 5:11

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:12

He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.