1 Timothy 1:16

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

In 1 Timothy 1:16, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound truth about God's boundless mercy and the purpose of his own radical conversion. This verse follows directly from his confession in 1 Timothy 1:15, where he declares himself the "chief of sinners." Here, he explains *why* he, a former persecutor of Christians, received such extraordinary grace.

Context

Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) had a zealous past, actively persecuting followers of Christ, even overseeing the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58). His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) is a cornerstone of New Testament history. In this letter to Timothy, his spiritual son, Paul reflects on his past not with shame but with a deep appreciation for God's transforming power. He presents his own salvation as a prime example, serving as a beacon of hope for anyone who might feel too far gone to be saved.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mercy and Grace: The verse highlights God's incredible willingness to extend mercy to even the most undeserving. Paul emphasizes that his salvation was not earned but "obtained mercy," underscoring that grace is a free gift. This illustrates God's character as rich in forgiveness, even towards those who actively oppose Him.
  • God's Longsuffering (Patience): The phrase "all longsuffering" (Greek: makrothymia) speaks to God's immense patience and endurance. It signifies His slowness to anger and His willingness to wait for repentance, even from someone like Paul, who violently opposed His church. Paul's life is a testament to the depth of God's forbearance.
  • Paul as a Pattern for Believers: Paul was saved not just for his own sake, but "for a pattern" (Greek: hypotyposis, meaning a model or outline). His life serves as a living illustration that no one is beyond the reach of God's saving power. If God could transform the chief persecutor into the chief apostle, He can transform anyone who believes. This offers profound encouragement and assurance to future believers.
  • Assurance of Everlasting Life: The ultimate purpose of Paul's exemplary salvation is to encourage others to "believe on him to life everlasting." This emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ leads to eternal salvation, a promise available to all who embrace Him, regardless of their past.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "longsuffering" is makrothymia (μακροθυμία), a compound word meaning "long-tempered" or "slow to anger." It's not just passive endurance but an active patience that waits for change and offers opportunity. The term "pattern" is hypotyposis (ὑποτύπωσις), which denotes an outline, a sketch, or a clear example. Paul isn't just *an* example, but *the* definitive example of God's patience and ability to save, serving as a blueprint for all who would follow.

Practical Application

This verse offers immense comfort and hope. For those who feel their past sins are too great to be forgiven, Paul's testimony stands as a powerful rebuttal. It assures us that God's mercy is deeper than our sin, and His grace is sufficient for all. It also serves as a call to evangelism, reminding believers that no one is beyond the reach of the Gospel. Just as Paul became a pattern, our transformed lives can also serve as a testimony to God's saving power, encouraging others to believe and receive everlasting life.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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