Christ Jesus Shown in Paul First 1 Timothy 1:16

As Paul the apostle continued his letter to Timothy, he wrote of the “exceeding abundant” grace which the Lord Jesus Christ extended to him. He considered himself the “chief” of sinners, and although he may have had many disagree with him, Paul knew his personal condition of being vastly separated from any relationship with God. In chapter one and verse sixteen of his letter to Timothy, Paul shared how he “obtained mercy” first as a pattern to all who would come after him to everlasting life. We read:

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

The verse begins, “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering,...” Though Paul knew himself as “chief of sinners”, he said, “Howbeit” which means “however, but, nevertheless and notwithstanding” “for this cause” or “time, means or reason” “I obtained mercy” or “help for the afflicted and wretched or not getting what a person deserves”, “that in me first” which means “in order that as an introduction, primary or as a prototype” “Jesus Christ” whose name and title are “Jehovah is salvation, the anointed messiah and Son of God” “might show forth” or “point out, manifest, demonstrate, prove and display” “all longsuffering” which means “total and complete patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance, forbearance and slowness in avenging wrongs”. Paul was a demonstration and example of God's extended “mercy” and “patience” with anyone who is not in a relationship with Him.

The verse continues, “...for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” Paul gives the reason the Lord Jesus was so patient and merciful with him, “for a pattern” which means “an outline, sketch or brief and summary exposition” “to them which should hereafter” or “intend to, have in mind and think to” “believe” which is the Greek word “pisteuō” and means “to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in and be convicted of” “on him” which refers to “Jesus Christ” “to life everlasting” or “being in a state of vitality without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be”. Paul knew that he was given the “mercy” and “long extended patience” of the Lord Jesus because his life would be an example of God's wonderful grace to anyone who would “be persuaded of, convinced and convicted” that “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners”, and “life everlasting” with God would be the benefit to all who believe.

As we meditate upon Paul's words, let us allow our minds to go back to the time when Paul the apostle was “Saul of Tarsus” and was “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord”. (See Acts chapter nine for more information.) Just how wicked was Saul, and was there any way this man could be saved? Yes, and a thousand times more, yes indeed! Why would God allow such an evil minded man who not only imprisoned Christians but also stood beside others as they killed them be extended the “mercy” of God? Paul gave us the answer, “for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe”. We are those who are “hereafter”, and if the love of God and His Son Jesus is so far extending that He can save Saul, he can certainly save “anyone” including us who will call upon Him today. If there be any who are reading these words and are convinced that they have gone too far into sin to ever receive the “mercy” of God through Jesus Christ, consider the life of Saul, and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior today and enjoy the promise of living with Him forever.

Next time Paul bursts out in praise “to the King eternal, immortal and invisible”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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