1 Timothy 1:15 – To save sinners

Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all welcome, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, foremost of whom am I.

The Gospel is a trustworthy message, but also a good message. “Worthy of every welcome”! For Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. So everyone. For all have sinned and fall short of GOD’s glory (Rom.3:23). All people, no one excepted.

No man on earth hated the name of Jesus as much as Saul of Tarsus (1:13). That is why he calls himself the foremost of sinners. To win someone like him required overwhelming grace (:1:14). He stood at the front of the line of sinners and that is precisely what makes him qualified to be a pattern of salvation for all sinners (1:16). If the Lord can save even Paul, then He will save everyone. In Paul’s trustworthy word, he himself is living proof that Christ Jesus’ mission to save sinners will be successfully fulfilled.

Hence Paul repeats in chapter 4:9: “The word is trustworthy and worthy of all welcome.” To continue: “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.”

Delen: