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.
Read it in contextPaul's Greeting, Purpose for Timothy, and Personal Testimony
Start reading at 1 Timothy 1:1 (1 Timothy 1:1 to 1 Timothy 1:20).
The verse is part of Paul's opening remarks, which include his greeting, the reason for Timothy's stay in Ephesus (to counter false doctrine), and Paul's personal testimony of God's grace, which serves as an example for the gospel's power.
1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
1:2Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
1:3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1:4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1:6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
1:7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
1:8But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
1:9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
1:10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
1:11According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
1:12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
1:13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
1:14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1:15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1:16Howbeit 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.
1:17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1:18This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
1:19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1:20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 1:1–3:16): Paul addresses Timothy, urged to remain at Ephesus, about false teaching, prayer, conduct, and the qualifications of overseers and deacons. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is Paul's personal testimony of receiving mercy from Jesus Christ, despite his past as a blasphemer and persecutor, so that his salvation might serve as a pattern of Christ's longsuffering for all future believers unto everlasting life. This testimony reinforces the truth of the gospel against false doctrines.
What is God revealing? God, through Jesus Christ, is revealing His boundless longsuffering and mercy, demonstrating that salvation and everlasting life are available to all who believe, regardless of their past sins. Paul's conversion exemplifies this grace, showing that even the 'chief' of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) can be saved.
What is the literary style? This book is a pastoral epistle, a letter of instruction and encouragement from Paul to Timothy concerning church leadership and doctrine.
When
When was it written? The epistle was written between c. A.D. 62 and 64.
When does the event take place? The 'event' of Paul obtaining mercy and Christ showing longsuffering refers to Paul's conversion, which occurred earlier in his life (Acts 9). The *writing* of this letter, reflecting on that event, took place between c. A.D. 62 and 64, after Paul's first Roman imprisonment.
Where
Where did it happen? The *event* of Paul's conversion, to which he refers, occurred on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). The *writing* of this letter took place in Macedonia, and the *audience* (Timothy) was located in Ephesus.
Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Macedonia when he wrote this epistle.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Paul's Greeting, Purpose for Timothy, and Personal Testimony (1 Timothy 1:1 to 1 Timothy 1:20).
Start reading at 1 Timothy 1:1. The verse is part of Paul's opening remarks, which include his greeting, the reason for Timothy's stay in Ephesus (to counter false doctrine), and Paul's personal testimony of God's grace, which serves as an example for the gospel's power.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse concludes Paul's personal testimony (1 Timothy 1:12-16), which serves as a powerful illustration of the 'glorious gospel' (1 Timothy 1:11) he was entrusted with. It contrasts with the 'vain jangling' and false doctrines of those who have 'swerved' from sound teaching (1 Timothy 1:6-7), reinforcing the truth that Christ Jesus came to save sinners, even the chief.
How does it point to Christ? This verse directly points to Christ by highlighting His 'all longsuffering' and mercy, which He extended to Paul, a former blasphemer and persecutor. Paul's salvation becomes a 'pattern' demonstrating Christ's saving power and willingness to grant 'life everlasting' to all who believe on Him, showcasing the depth of His grace and the efficacy of His atonement. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today can find immense hope and assurance in Christ's longsuffering and mercy, knowing that if He saved Paul, the 'chief' of sinners, He can save anyone. This verse encourages us to trust in Christ's grace for our own salvation and to share the gospel with others, recognizing that no one is beyond the reach of God's transforming power. It also serves as a reminder that our lives, like Paul's, can be a pattern of God's grace to those who are yet to believe. interpretation
Cited: 1 Timothy 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:2, 1 Timothy 1:3, 1 Timothy 1:6-7, 1 Timothy 1:11, 1 Timothy 1:12-13, 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 1:16, Acts 9:1-19, Romans 2:4-5, 2 Peter 3:9, John 3:15-16, John 5:24, John 6:40, John 6:54, John 20:31, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:23, 1 John 5:11-12
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostleNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse. 1 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedMany critical scholars treat the three Pastoral Epistles as later, based on vocabulary and church structure.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholeThe charge is joined to warnings from those who have made shipwreck, retaining the seriousness of continuing in faithfulness.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.