12 And I give thanks to him who enabled me—Christ Jesus our Lord—that he did reckon me stedfast, having put 'me' to the ministration, 13 who before was speaking evil, and persecuting, and insulting, but I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did 'it' in unbelief, 14 and exceedingly abound did the grace of our Lord, with faith and love that 'is' in Christ Jesus: 15 stedfast 'is' the word, and of all acceptation worthy, that Christ Jesus came to the world to save sinners—first of whom I am; 16 but because of this I found kindness, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern of those about to believe on him to life age-during: 17 and to the King of the ages, the incorruptible, invisible, only wise God, 'is' honour and glory—to the ages of the ages! Amen.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:12-17
(Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17)
The apostle knew that he would justly have perished, if the Lord had been extreme to mark what was amiss; and also if his grace and mercy had not been abundant to him when dead in sin, working faith and love to Christ in his heart. This is a faithful saying; these are true and faithful words, which may be depended on, That the Son of God came into the world, willingly and purposely to save sinners. No man, with Paul's example before him, can question the love and power of Christ to save him, if he really desires to trust in him as the Son of God, who once died on the cross, and now reigns upon the throne of glory, to save all that come to God through him. Let us then admire and praise the grace of God our Saviour; and ascribe to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons in the unity of the Godhead, the glory of all done in, by, and for us.