1 Timothy 1:16

“Yet for this reason. found mercy”: Seeing that Paul was the foremost or chief of sinners, God could use him as an example or pattern for all to follow. If the chief sinner can be forgiven then all other sinners can be forgiven, as well, if they only repent. “Paul becomes the ‘specimen' sinner as an encouragement to all who come after him” (Robertson p. 564). “It must be acknowledged that no example could be more proper, to encourage the greatest sinners in every age to repent, than that pardon which Christ granted to one, who has so furiously persecuted His church” (Macknight p. 191). By forgiving Paul, Jesus made him. prime example of what His grace can do. “No sinner should think he is. hopeless case” (Reese p. 33).

1 Timothy 1:16 “So that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life”

1 Timothy 1:16 “Perfect patience”: “Is the divine attribute of God whereby He does not at once punish the sinner but forbears long under provocation and gives him opportunity to repent” (Hiebert p. 43). Instead of striking Paul dead for persecuting Christians, God was patient and gave him time and an opportunity to repent (2 Peter 3:9).

1 Timothy 1:16 “As an example for those who would believe”: “His conversion had world significance. Paul stood before the eyes of all after generations as. witness to the power, the grace, and the love of the Lord, so that the greatest of sinners need not doubt that grace” (pp. 43-44). “If. sinner like Saul of Tarsus could be spared and receive salvation, so may other sinners” (Kent p. 94).

The term “example” means. pattern, outline, sketch and model. In like manner to Paul, all other sinners can be forgiven if they repent and come to Jesus as well, including the need to be baptized (Acts 22:16).