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.
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. Paul explains why God showed mercy to such a wicked sinner: to demonstrate Christ's perfect patience (makrothymia, μακροθυμία)—literally "long-suffering" or slow anger. The word combines makros (long) and thymos (passion, anger)—Christ's patience endures provocation without retaliation, providing sinners time to repent.
The phrase "shew forth all longsuffering" uses endeixētai (ἐνδείξηται), meaning to display publicly or demonstrate fully. Paul's conversion served as a public exhibition of Christ's complete patience. The qualifier "all" (pasan, πᾶσαν) indicates the full extent—Christ showed maximum patience with maximum sin. If Christ patiently saved the church's chief persecutor, His patience is sufficient for any sinner.
Paul identifies himself as "a pattern" (hypotyōsin, ὑποτύπωσιν)—an example, model, or sketch serving as template for future copies. His salvation wasn't unique but paradigmatic—"to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting" (tois mellousinsisteuein ep' autō eis zōēn aiōnion, τοῖς μέλλουσιν πιστεύειν ἐπ' αὐτῷ εἰς ζωήν αἰώνιον). Everyone who believes subsequently follows the pattern established in Paul: undeserving sinners receiving mercy through faith in Christ, resulting in eternal life.
Historical Context
Paul frequently used his conversion as evangelistic illustration (Acts 22:1-21; 26:1-23; Galatians 1:11-24). His dramatic transformation from persecutor to proclaimer served as powerful evidence that the gospel truly transforms lives and that no sinner is beyond redemption. This testimony was particularly effective with those who knew his former reputation or who felt their own sins disqualified them from divine mercy.
The concept of "pattern" or "type" had deep roots in biblical interpretation. Old Testament persons, events, and institutions often foreshadowed greater New Testament realities (Adam as type of Christ, Romans 5:14; wilderness manna as type of Christ as true bread, John 6:31-35). Paul extends this typological thinking to his own experience—his salvation patterns all subsequent conversions in demonstrating grace's power.
"Life everlasting" (zōē aiōnios, ζωὴ αἰώνιος) represents not merely endless duration but a qualitatively different existence—the life of the age to come, participation in God's own eternal life. This life begins at conversion (John 5:24) but reaches consummation at Christ's return (1 John 3:2). Faith in Christ grants immediate, present possession of eternal life, not merely future hope.
Questions for Reflection
How has your experience of God's patience in your own conversion become an encouragement to others?
In what ways do you demonstrate similar longsuffering toward those who seem resistant to the gospel?
How clearly do you understand and communicate that eternal life comes exclusively through faith in Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul explains why God showed mercy to such a wicked sinner: to demonstrate Christ's perfect patience (makrothymia, μακροθυμία)—literally "long-suffering" or slow anger. The word combines makros (long) and thymos (passion, anger)—Christ's patience endures provocation without retaliation, providing sinners time to repent.
The phrase "shew forth all longsuffering" uses endeixētai (ἐνδείξηται), meaning to display publicly or demonstrate fully. Paul's conversion served as a public exhibition of Christ's complete patience. The qualifier "all" (pasan, πᾶσαν) indicates the full extent—Christ showed maximum patience with maximum sin. If Christ patiently saved the church's chief persecutor, His patience is sufficient for any sinner.
Paul identifies himself as "a pattern" (hypotyōsin, ὑποτύπωσιν)—an example, model, or sketch serving as template for future copies. His salvation wasn't unique but paradigmatic—"to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting" (tois mellousinsisteuein ep' autō eis zōēn aiōnion, τοῖς μέλλουσιν πιστεύειν ἐπ' αὐτῷ εἰς ζωήν αἰώνιον). Everyone who believes subsequently follows the pattern established in Paul: undeserving sinners receiving mercy through faith in Christ, resulting in eternal life.