1 Timothy 1:15

This is a faithful saying More exactly, Faithful is the saying, -gravissima praefandi formula, says Bengel; the first of five occurrences in these epistles, where only it is found, 1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8. With it we may compare Revelation 21:5, and our Lord's -Verily, verily I say unto you." The special weight of each maxim or practical instruction thus introduced is examined in Appendix, E. See also Introduction, ch. iii. ii. 1 c, p. 30.

faithful That is, trustworthy and claiming implicit credit; more than merely -true," which is the rendering in the P. Bk. Communion Service, -This is a true saying and worthy of all men to be received;" worthy of all acceptation, of every kind and degree, as there is no article with -all"; to be received with every mark of regard and welcome, of confidence and affection.

What is the truth thus heralded? -Christ Jesus as God in heaven; Christ Jesus come to this earth to save sinners; Christ Jesus come to save methe chief of sinners." It is this personal dealing of the Saviour with the single soul, the personal laying hold by the separate soul of the Saviour's love and pardon, which is so specially precious to St Paul and gives new lustre to the jewel, the simple creed.

of whom I am chief am, shewing his abiding sense of his sinfulness, and this at the close of his life, when he could say -I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, &c."

-And they who fain would serve Thee best

Are conscious most of wrong within."

Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:9. So in Acts 22:4; Acts 22:19; Acts 26:9, he takes every opportunity of referring with express self-condemnation to his past life.