1 Timothy 1:13
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's testimony to his own pre-conversion identity — 'I was a blasphemer and a persecutor and insolent,' acted in unbelief, and obtained mercy — provides the autobiographical foundation for his theology of grace (verse 14-16). The distinction 'I acted in ignorance and unbelief' neither excuses the sin nor removes responsibility, but it contextualizes the magnitude of mercy: forgiveness operates where accountability exists. Luke 23:34 and Acts 3:17 apply the 'ignorance' motif to those who crucified Jesus, consistent with a New Testament pattern where culpable ignorance does not preclude sincere repentance. Paul's self-identification as a pattern ('foremost' among sinners who received mercy as an 'example,' verse 16) makes his testimony a pastoral resource for those who consider their own sin too great for forgiveness.
Other Translations
though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;
who before was speaking evil, and persecuting, and insulting, but I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did <FI>it<Fi> in unbelief,
Though I had said violent words against God, and done cruel acts, causing great trouble: but I was given mercy, because I did it without knowledge, not having faith;
Cross References
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