1 Timothy 1 16

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.

1 Timothy 1:16 nkjv

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

1 Timothy 1:16 niv

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:16 esv

But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:16 nlt

But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

1 Timothy 1 verses

1 Timothy 1 16 Meaning

This verse explains why the Apostle Paul received divine mercy despite his past as a persecutor of the Church, affirming that his conversion was a purposeful display of Jesus Christ's boundless patience and power to save. Paul's own life and conversion serve as a supreme example or pattern for all future believers, demonstrating that anyone, regardless of their past sins, can find salvation and eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus. It highlights the universality and limitless nature of God's grace and Christ's forbearance toward even the greatest of sinners.

1 Timothy 1 16 Context

1 Timothy chapter 1 sets the tone for Paul's counsel to Timothy, focusing on the proper use of the Law, guarding against false doctrine, and the true purpose of the gospel. In verses 13-15, Paul identifies himself as formerly a "blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious" and "the chief of sinners," yet he received mercy. Verse 16 builds directly on this, explaining the divine purpose behind his astonishing conversion and salvation. This purpose was not simply Paul's individual deliverance but his strategic placement as an irrefutable proof of Christ's ability to save anyone, no matter how lost. Historically, Paul, a former Pharisee zealous for Jewish law and persecutor of Christians, represented the extreme end of opposition to Christ, making his transformation the most compelling example of God's transformative grace to the early Christian community in Ephesus, where Timothy served. This context also served as a counter-argument to any who might suggest God's grace was limited or only for the "righteous."

1 Timothy 1 16 Word analysis

• Howbeit (ἀλλὰ, alla): Conjunction implying a contrast or strong emphasis from what precedes. Here, it signifies the greater truth following Paul's self-declaration as "chief of sinners" in v.15.
• for this cause (διὰ τοῦτο, dia touto): Points to a specific divine purpose. Paul's reception of mercy was not accidental or simply for his benefit but served a larger plan.
• I obtained mercy (ἠλεήθην, ēleēthēn): Passive voice. Highlights that mercy was bestowed upon him; it was an act of God's unmerited favor, not something he earned. This emphasizes divine initiative.
• that in me first (ἐν ἐμοὶ πρώτῳ, en emoi prōtō): "First" here means foremost or preeminent, especially considering he just called himself the "chief of sinners." It emphasizes the intensity of Christ's work in one who was furthest from Him, setting him apart as an unparalleled example. It also implies the earliest, in terms of setting the standard for the extent of grace.
• Jesus Christ (Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, Iēsoūs Christos): The specific name of the one through whom salvation and mercy are revealed.
• might shew forth (ἐνδείξηται, endeixētai): To display, demonstrate, make a clear example of. This is a purposeful and public display of an inherent quality.
• all long-suffering (τὴν πᾶσαν μακροθυμίαν, tēn pāsan makrothymian): "All" emphasizes the completeness and totality of Christ's patience. Makrothymian denotes a long spirit, slowness to anger, endurance despite provocation. It implies boundless patience towards someone deserving immediate wrath. This phrase highlights the vastness of Christ's endurance with sinful humanity, especially a virulent enemy like Paul.
• for a pattern (πρὸς ὑποτύπωσιν, pros hypotypōsin): A blueprint, a prototype, an example to be imitated or replicated. Paul's experience isn't unique in its availability of grace but unique in its illustrative power. He becomes the living illustration of Christ's redemptive power.
• to them which should hereafter believe on him (τοῖς μελλοῦσιν πιστεύειν ἐπ᾿ αὐτῷ, tois mellousin pisteuein ep' autō): Points to future generations of believers, establishing the universal application of Christ's grace. It ensures that no one should ever despair of finding salvation due to their past.
• to life everlasting (εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον, eis zōēn aiōnion): The ultimate outcome of this belief – eternal life, the very essence of salvation, and communion with God. This underlines the purpose of Christ's long-suffering and Paul's pattern.

1 Timothy 1 16 Bonus section

The phrase "in me first" (ἐν ἐμοὶ πρώτῳ) has been debated regarding its precise nuance. While primarily referring to Paul's preeminence as "the chief of sinners," it also carries a temporal sense, as he was an early and significant convert whose example would precede and influence others. This highlights God's sovereignty in choosing specific individuals not just for their own salvation but for strategic kingdom purposes. Paul's life thereby becomes a perpetual sermon demonstrating God's boundless capacity to forgive, rehabilitate, and powerfully use those who seem least likely. The comprehensive nature of Christ's makrothymian means there's no limit to His patience for those He intends to save. The "pattern" serves as an apologetic: any doubt regarding God's willingness or ability to save a grave sinner is countered by the very existence of Paul, the transformed persecutor.

1 Timothy 1 16 Commentary

1 Timothy 1:16 profoundly articulates the redemptive theology of the Apostle Paul's own experience. Paul's radical transformation from a zealous persecutor to a fervent apostle was not merely a personal redemption but a divine strategy. God chose to manifest the utter completeness of Christ's "long-suffering" and saving power in the most extreme case imaginable—a "chief of sinners." This served to establish an irrefutable "pattern" for all subsequent generations of believers. The message is clear: if God could save Paul, whose actions epitomized rebellion and enmity against Christ, then He is supremely capable of saving anyone, regardless of their past transgressions. This verse acts as an eternal open invitation, dispelling any notion that one might be too sinful to receive God's mercy. It underscores that salvation is a gift received by faith in Jesus Christ, leading to "life everlasting," accessible to all whom Christ has long-sufferingly waited for and redeemed.

• Examples:
  • A former addict might find hope and purpose in God after a life of severe self-destruction, serving as an example to others caught in addiction.
  • Someone with a history of great anger or unforgiveness finds peace and becomes a peacemaker, demonstrating Christ's power to transform hearts.
  • A person who once lived purely for selfish gain might become dedicated to serving others, showcasing God's ability to repurpose lives.