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Selected Verse: 1 Timothy 1:16 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
1Ti 1:16 |
King James |
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Howbeit--Greek, "But"; contrasting his own conscious sinfulness with God's gracious visitation of him in mercy.
for this cause--for this very purpose.
that in me--in my case.
first--"foremost." As I was "foremost" (Greek for chief, Ti1 1:15) in sin, so God has made me the "foremost" sample of mercy.
show--to His own glory (the middle Greek, voice), Eph 2:7.
all long-suffering--Greek, "the whole (of His) long-suffering," namely, in bearing so long with me while I was a persecutor.
a pattern--a sample (Co1 10:6, Co1 10:11) to assure the greatest sinners of the certainty that they shall not be rejected in coming to Christ, since even Saul found mercy. So David made his own case of pardon, notwithstanding the greatness of his sin, a sample to encourage other sinners to seek pardon (Psa 32:5-6). The Greek for "pattern" is sometimes used for a "sketch" or outline--the filling up to take place in each man's own case.
believe on him--Belief rests ON Him as the only foundation on which faith relies.
to life everlasting--the ultimate aim which faith always keeps in view (Tit 1:2). |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Howbeit for this cause - That is, this was one of the causes, or this was a leading reason. We are not to suppose that this was the only one. God had other ends to answer by his conversion than this, but this was one of the designs why he was pardoned - that there might be for all ages a permanent proof that sins of the deepest dye might be forgiven. It was well to have one such example at the outset, that a doubt might never arise about the possibility of forgiving great transgressors. The question thus would be settled for ever.
That in me first - Not first in the order of time, as our translation would seem to imply, but that in me the first or chief of sinners (ἐν ἐμοὶ ποώτῳ en emoi poōtō) he might show an example. The idea is, that he sustained the first rank as a sinner, and that Jesus Christ designed to show mercy to him as such, in order that the possibility of pardoning the greatest sinners might be evinced, and that no one might afterward despair of salvation on account of the greatness of his crimes.
Might shew forth all long-suffering - The highest possible degree of forbearance, in order that a case might never occur about which there could be any doubt. It was shown by his example that the Lord Jesus could evince any possible degree of patience, and could have mercy on the greatest imaginable offenders.
For a pattern - ὑποτύπωσιν hupotupōsin. This word occurs no where else in the New Testament, except in Ti2 1:13, where it is rendered "form." It properly means a form, sketch, or imperfect delineation. Then it denotes a pattern or example, and here it means that the case of Paul was an example for the encouragement of sinners in all subsequent times. It was that to which they might look when they desired forgiveness and salvation. It furnished all the illustration and argument which they would need to show that they might be forgiven. It settled the question forever that the greatest sinners might be pardoned; for as he was "the chief of sinners," it proved that a case could not occur which was beyond the possibility of mercy.
Which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting - All might learn from the mercy shown to him that salvation could be obtained. From this verse we may learn:
(1) that no sinner should despair of mercy. No one should say that he is so great a sinner that he cannot be forgiven. One who regarded himself as the "chief" of sinners was pardoned, and pardoned for the very purpose of illustrating this truth, that any sinner might be saved. His example stands as the illustration of this to all ages; and were there no other, any sinner might now come and hope for mercy. But there are other examples. Sinners of all ranks and descriptions have been pardoned. Indeed, there is no form of depravity of which people can be guilty, in respect to which there are not instances where just such offenders have been forgiven. The persecutor may reflect that great enemies of the cross like him have been pardoned; the profane man and the blasphemer, that many such have been forgiven; the murderer, the thief, the sensualist, that many of the same character have found mercy, and have been admitted to heaven.
(2) the fact that great sinners have been pardoned, is a proof that others of the same description may be also. The same mercy that saved them can save us - for mercy is not exhausted by being frequently exercised. The blood of atonement which has cleansed so many can cleanse us - for its efficacy is not destroyed by being once applied to the guilty soul. Let no one then despair of obtaining mercy because he feels that his sins are too great to be forgiven. Let him look to the past, and remember what God has done. Let him remember the case of Saul of Tarsus; let him think of David and Peter; let him recall the names of Augustine, and Colonel Gardiner, and the Earl of Rochester, and John Newton, and John Bunyan - and thousands like them, who have found mercy; and in their examples let him see a full proof that God is willing to save any sinner, no matter how vile, provided he is penitent and believing. |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
First (πρώτῳ)
Not the chief sinner, but the representative instance of God's longsuffering applied to a high-handed transgressor. It is explained by pattern.
All longsuffering (τὴν ἅπασαν μακροθυμίαν)
More correctly, "all his longsuffering." The A.V. misses the possessive force of the article. For longsuffering see on be patient, Jam 5:7. The form ἅπας occurs as an undisputed reading only once in Paul, Eph 6:13, and not there as an adjective. Often in Acts and Luke. This use of the article with the adjective πᾶς or ἅπας is without parallel in Paul.
Pattern (ὑποτύπωσιν)
Or, ensample. Only here and Ti2 1:13. olxx. oClass. An example of the writer's fondness for high-sounding compounds. Paul uses τύπος.
To them
The A.V. conveys the sense more clearly than Rev. "of them," which is ambiguous. The genitive has a possessive sense. He would be their ensample, or an ensample for their benefit.
Believe (πιστευ.ειν)
This verb, so frequent in Paul, occurs six times in the pastorals. In two instances, Ti1 1:11; Tit 1:3, it is passive, in the sense of to be intrusted with. Here in the Pauline sense of believing on Christ. In Ti1 3:16, passive, of Christ believed on in the world. In Ti2 1:12, of God the Father, in whom the writer confides to keep the trust committed to him. In Tit 3:8, of belief in God. With ἐπὶ upon and the dative, Rom 9:33; Rom 10:11; Pe1 2:6 (all citations), and Rom 4:18; Luk 24:25.
Unto life everlasting (εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον)
Better, eternal life. See additional not on Th2 1:9. The conception of life eternal is not limited to the future life (as von Soden). Godliness has promise of the life which now is, as well as of that which is to come (Ti1 4:8). The promise of eternal life (Ti2 1:1) and the words who brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (Ti2 1:10) may fairly be taken to cover the present life. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
For this cause God showed me mercy, that all his longsuffering might be shown, and that none might hereafter despair. |
2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
6 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
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.
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.