1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
Study Note
Study Note
'The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost' — the 'faithful saying' (pistos logos) formula, unique to the Pastoral Epistles, introduces what may be a pre-existing catechetical formula that Paul endorses. The soteriological purpose clause 'came into the world to save sinners' expresses the Incarnation's goal in the most direct terms — matching Luke 19:10 ('the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost'). Paul's self-designation as 'the foremost' (prōtos) of sinners uses the superlative not to evaluate his sins relative to others but to emphasize the extremity of grace required for his case. The verse has been foundational for Christian proclamation because its simplicity and direct formulation makes it one of the clearest gospel summaries in the New Testament.
Other Translations
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:
stedfast <FI>is<Fi> the word, and of all acceptation worthy, that Christ Jesus came to the world to save sinners--first of whom I am;
It is a true saying, in which all may put their faith, that Christ Jesus came into the world to give salvation to sinners, of whom I am the chief:
Cross References
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the …
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the …
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son …
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent …
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: …
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: …
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they …
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life …