John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 1:16
Howbeit, for this cause I obtained mercy ,.... Though so great a sinner, and even the chief of sinners: that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering ; not that the apostle was the first that was converted upon Christ's coming to save sinners; for there were many converted before him, and very great sinners too, and he speaks of himself as one born out of due time; unless it can be thought that he was the first of the persecutors of the church, upon the death of... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation ,.... This is said, lest it should be thought strange, or scarcely credible, that so great a sinner should be saved; as well as to give a summary of the glorious Gospel the apostle was intrusted with; and in opposition to fables, endless genealogies, and vain jangling, and contentions about the law. The doctrine of Christ's coming into the world, and of salvation by him, as it is the sum and substance of the Gospel, so it is a... read more