1Ti 1:13-16 | PNT | STEP | Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious . Paul never could forget his old life, before he was converted. But I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief . The reason is that he was honest, sincere in his opposition, being an unbeliever, and acting ignorantly. Had he been a willful sinner, he would never have been chosen.

1 Timothy 1:13-16

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious. Paul never could forget his old life, before he was converted.

But I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief. The reason is that he was honest, sincere in his opposition, being an unbeliever, and acting ignorantly. Had he been a willful sinner, he would never have been chosen. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant. In the mercy shown to him, for his eyes were opened, with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. He became a believer and was filled with love of Christ. This [is] a faithful saying. That Christ came to save sinners. Paul, a sinner saved, was a proof that the saying was faithful.

Of whom I am chief. Because he had sinned so grievously in persecuting Christ. He was a great sinner saved. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy. One cause of his obtaining mercy was that in him Christ might show how long-suffering he is. He forgave, saved and blessed the bitter enemy.

A pattern. An example for all believers to follow.