Awake & Alive: 1 Timothy Reading Plan
Day 4
12I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16But 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. 17To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Perhaps the best understanding of this passage can be gleaned by reading the conclusion first. Paul significantly closes this section of his letter with adoration of Christ that appeals to attributes of God revered both in Greco-Roman and Jewish culture (remember that Ephesus is a cultural hub located in a port city). This conclusion is not reached by Paul through aimless talk and misinterpreting the law. He has arrived at this conclusion through a personal testimony found in the preceding five verses.
This passage is not self-loathing in a sinful, arrogant sense. It is, however, rooted in a truth that Paul expresses at several locations in his biblical writings. That being the closer one draws to Christ, the more keenly aware he becomes of his need for Christ. Just like a brighter light reveals more flaws and stains, a more accurate understanding, born of a more intimate relationship with Jesus, reveals the flaws that made his atoning work so necessary. It is important to note this as Paul’s testimony does not push him to shame but to worship. The radical nature of the Gospel is that God’s grace and mercy call the sinner to draw near for peace, not run away in shame. This argument is likely directly counter to the false teachings Timothy is battling.
It is also of note that Paul argues his salvation served a much deeper purpose than atonement for sin. While Christ’s work certainly accomplishes this monumental task, it also comes with a purposeful, sending component. Paul views his salvation as an invitation to devote his life to displaying the glory of the one who saved him. In fact, Paul doesn’t just view this as his calling for life but for all of eternity. The joy in this passage seems derived from the conclusion that freedom and purpose are found in this life as the believer relishes the atoning work of Christ now and accepts the invitation to live an eternal purpose today.