1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The phrase "faithful saying" appears five times in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8), each introducing crucial doctrinal or practical truth. These may have been early Christian confessions or catechetical statements used in teaching and worship. Their formulaic introduction suggests they were widely known and universally accepted in the early church.
Paul's claim to be the foremost sinner wasn't hyperbole to his original audience. Christians in Ephesus and throughout the ancient world knew Paul's history as Saul the persecutor. His complicity in Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7:58; 8:1) and his systematic campaign against the church (Acts 9:1-2; Galatians 1:13) were matters of record. That such a man became Christianity's greatest missionary powerfully demonstrated grace's reality.
The simplicity of this "faithful saying" stands in deliberate contrast to the complex speculations of false teachers. While they promoted intricate genealogies and novel interpretations, Paul proclaimed the straightforward gospel: Christ came to save sinners. This simplicity doesn't mean shallow theology but clear focus on the central truth from which all Christian doctrine flows—Christ's saving work for undeserving sinners.
Questions for Reflection
- How does maintaining focus on this simple gospel truth protect you from theological confusion or spiritual drift?
- In what ways does growing in grace increase rather than decrease your awareness of personal sinfulness?
- How can you more effectively communicate to unbelievers that Christ came specifically to save sinners like them?
Analysis & Commentary
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Paul introduces the first of five "faithful sayings" in the Pastoral Epistles with solemn affirmation: this truth is absolutely reliable (pistos ho logos, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος) and "worthy of all acceptation" (pasēs apodochēs axios, πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος)—deserving complete, unreserved acceptance. This formula marks central gospel truths requiring unqualified embrace.
The content is breathtaking in its simplicity and profundity: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." The verb "came" (ēlthen, ἦλθεν) indicates purposeful mission—Christ's incarnation wasn't accidental but intentional. "Into the world" emphasizes He entered human history from outside it; as pre-existent Son of God, He voluntarily took human nature. His purpose was singular: "to save" (hamartōlous sōsai, ἁμαρτωλοὺς σῶσαι)—rescue from sin's guilt, power, and penalty.
Paul's personal application is stunning: "of whom I am chief" (hōn prōtos eimi egō, ὧν πρῶτός εἰμι ἐγώ). The present tense "I am" (not "I was") indicates ongoing self-understanding—Paul always sees himself as the foremost sinner. This isn't false humility but accurate assessment: as Christianity's fiercest persecutor, he committed sins of unique magnitude. Yet this very fact magnifies grace—if Christ saved the chief sinner, He can save anyone.