1 Timothy 1:15 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

This is a faithful saying A saying not only certainly true, but infinitely momentous, as the same expression evidently signifies 1Ti 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8; and worthy of all acceptation As infallibly true, it is worthy of all credit, and as infinitely important, worthy of being considered, received, and embraced, with all the powers of our souls; that Christ The Messiah promised; Jesus The Saviour exhibited; came into the world to save sinners All sinners without exception, who are willing to be saved in the way of repentance toward God, and faith in him and his gospel. Of whom I am chief “The apostle did not mean that he was absolutely the greatest of all sinners, but the greatest of those who sinned through ignorance, as is plain from 1 Timothy 1:13. And he spake in this manner concerning himself, to show the deep sense he had of his sin in reviling Christ, and persecuting his disciples, and that he judged charitably of the sins of other men, and of their extenuations.” Howbeit, for this cause Among others which were also important; I obtained mercy, that in me first Or, in me the chief of sinners, as the clause may be rendered; Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering Might exhibit an example thereof to the view of the whole world; for a pattern to them For the direction and encouragement of those who should afterward believe on him Even to the remotest ages of time; that is, to teach and encourage them to expect the like mercy upon their believing in him, to the obtaining of eternal life. And it must be acknowledged, that no example could be more proper to encourage the greatest sinners in every age to repent, than the pardon which Christ granted to one who had so furiously persecuted his church.