1 Timothy 1:16

‘However that may be it was for this reason that I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an example of those who would thereafter believe on him to eternal life.’

And it was because he was the very chief of sinners, that he had obtained mercy, so that in him, as the chief, Jesus Christ might show forth all His longsuffering, compassion and mercy by redeeming him. And He had done it in order that all others who believed might see in Paul an example of that longsuffering of Jesus Christ, thus encouraging them when they also believed. None would ever doubt the possibility of acceptance once Paul had been accepted. All would know that if Jesus Christ could accept Paul, He would stoop down to the very lowest of the low.

‘Believe on Him to eternal life.’ This was how Jesus saved sinners. For all who believed on Him received eternal life (e.g. Romans 5:21; Romans 6:23; Acts 13:48; John 3:15-16; John 5:24; 1 John 5:11; 1 John 5:13), the life of the age to come, and became ‘partakers of the divine nature’ (2 Peter 1:4) and ‘new creatures in Christ Jesus’ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This was what He had come for, and this was what He wanted to give to all who would receive it.

‘An example (hupotupowsis).’ The word is used in external literature of an outline sketch or of a word picture. Paul was a clear portrayal to all others of the grace and compassion of Christ.

‘Believed on Him (epi with the dative).’ This is a rare construction in the New Testament with pisteuow, but is found also in Romans 9:33; Romans 10:11.