Read: 1 Timothy 1:12-20
Devotional: There are many comforting verses in the Bible. That makes sense because God is the God of all comfort (2 Cor 1:3). But sometimes I come across a verse and I am consistently astounded by how comforting it is. 1 Timothy 1:15 is one such verse. Even though I must have read this verse a thousand times, studied it, heard lessons and sermons on it and referenced it in lessons I’ve taught, it still blows me away every time I come back to it.
After urging Timothy to defend his flock from those who have wandered away from the sound doctrine that is in accord with the gospel (1 Tim 1:3-11), Paul puts himself forward as an example of why this gospel must be defended. Paul begins by stating that Christ judged him faithful and appointed him to his service (1 Tim 1:12). That Christ appointed Paul to service is a bit of an understatement: the service to which Paul was appointed was as one of Christ’s apostles, the very men chosen to lay the foundation of his church along with the prophets (Eph 2:20).
With this calling came some impressive authority and gifting from Christ. We might say, “Well, Paul was faithful. He said so himself.” But Paul continues, “Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” (1 Tim 1:13). This statement is not as much of an understatement. Before Christ met Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1ff), Paul persecuted Christians, and even approved of their executions (Acts 26:10-11).
In fact, the only reason he was going to Damascus was to imprison more Christians to bring them back for trial in Jerusalem. In effect, he was going to Damascus for the sole reason to persecute more Christians, or, at the very least, cause them to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. There was no greater threat and opponent to Christ and his church in that day than Paul. Yet Christ appointed him as one of his apostles out of pure mercy.
Christ didn’t need Paul. He could have raised up a rock to proclaim his gospel to the Gentiles if he wanted. Christ chose Paul out of his grace and mercy. But why? So that Paul would serve as the example of the trustworthy saying in v. 15, that Christ Jesus came to save sinners.
Again, in that day, there was no one worse than Paul. Even the pagan Romans weren’t persecuting Christ’s church yet—but Paul was. Any Christian living in those days, if asked whether they believed that ol’ Saul of Tarsus could ever get saved or if God’s mercy could change his heart, would likely say, “Absolutely not!” This kind of reaction was seen in Ananias to the anonymous believers who all said, “This guy? He’s preaching Christ? Wasn’t he just persecuting us yesterday” (see Acts 9:13)?
But Paul received mercy so that, “Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” Christ was patient with Paul, and in his perfect timing he saved Paul despite Paul’s previous abject sinfulness. What mercy! What grace! What love!
It’s hard to comprehend, and yet here is Paul, decades later, having preached the gospel of Christ and planted churches all over the Eastern Roman Empire. The proof is in the pudding. The grace of Christ really did overflow in Paul with the faith and love that in Christ Jesus. And if it could overflow to him, that same grace can overflow to anyone!
There are times, even as believers, where we sin and we think, “That’s it. God can’t love me or forgive me. There can’t be any grace left.” Similarly, you may have shared the gospel with someone who responded, “You don’t know what I’ve done. I’m too far gone; God would never forgive me.” To both, Paul would say, “Let me tell you a story of Christ’s grace…”
Christ is not surprised by our sin. He didn’t come into the world and go, “Oh, man I didn’t really know how sinful everyone was. I’m out.” No, he came for the purpose of saving us from our sin. His offer of grace is extended to all. When we sin, we need to turn to him and fall on his grace. And then, when we’ve repented we need to go out and proclaim the glories of Him who saved us. “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim 1:17).
Ponder and Pray: Consider how Christ came into the world to save sinners. How does this truth encourage you personally and fuel your evangelism? Do you ever feel like you’ve sinned too much? How does the story of Paul’s salvation encourage you to never doubt God’s grace. Finish your devotional time with a prayer of thanksgiving for Christ’s great mercy and patience.
