Considering 1 Timothy 1:15-16:
Looking at the translated text of Paul’s self acknowledgement of his sinful condition; Paul refers to himself as the “foremost” sinner, as translated in the ESV, some others translations use words such as:
- first.
- chief.
- the worst.
- number one.
- worst of all sinners.
- worse than anyone else.
The original Greek word which these words and phrases come from is “prōtos”, which in context, means: foremost (in time, place, order or importance): chief (-est).
Although some bible translations mis-represent Paul as saying he was the worst sinner, Paul (God through Paul), was saying that he was the FIRST Christian example of God’s mercy and grace, which was subsequently to be applied to many others, including some who would be in social terms, worse, similar and less thought of as sinners, but essentially sinners, forgiven through Christ Jesus.
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
1Timothy 1:15-16
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.
The primary objects of the example of Paul, are said to be “those who were to believe in him (Christ) for eternal life.“; understanding through our own experience that at the time of repentance, there is the weighty acknowledgement of sin, here we see that the example of Paul having formerly been “a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent“. forgiven through Christ, we understand that this is what God does through Christ to those He saves. Then the example of Paul’s life continued past this point through the ongoing work of God, which serves as an example to us of God’s sovereign work in His children.
Our individual development in spiritual maturity of faith and works, as exemplified in Paul, although being subject still to God’s sovereign will for each of us, brings fulfilment of the good works God planned for each of us before the foundation of the earth (2 Tim 1:9). The example of God’s work in Paul and his obedience, is also inclusive of humility, acknowledging his/our unworthiness to receive God’s mercy and blessings through Christ’s suffering, and though we may not be called to be martyred as Paul was, this aspect of the example is no less what we are called to be prepared for, as Jesus said in Matthew 16:24
…“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
So also we are encouraged through Paul’s example of experiencing peace and contentment throughout numerous adversities:
Not that I am speaking of being in need,
1 Philippians 4:11-13
for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content.
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.
In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Though Paul is an example of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility, our eyes are primarily fixed on Christ who transformed Paul and is the source of life and the ultimate teaching for the lives of God’s children.
And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals,
Revelation 5:8-10
for you were slain,
and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”
A.Overton 5-Sep-2025
Lamb pic. @ 1 Tree Hill Auckland NZ 1989
Study like a Berean! 