1 Timothy 1:15 - Exposition

Faithful is the saying for this is a faithful saying , A.V. Faithful is the saying ( πιστὸς ὁ λόγος ). This formula is peculiar to the pastoral Epistles ( 1 Timothy 3:1 ; 1 Timothy 4:9 ; 2 Timothy 2:11 ; Titus 3:8 ), and seems to indicate that there were a number of pithy sayings, maxims, portions of hymns or of catechetical teaching, current in the Church, and possibly originating in the inspired sayings of the Church prophets, to which the apostle appeals, and to which he gives his sanction. The one appealed to here would be simply, " Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners." This, St. Paul adds, is worthy of all acceptation—by all, and without any reserve. Acceptation ( ἀποδοχῆς ); only here and 1 Timothy 4:9 , in connection with the same formula. The verb ἀποδέχομαι occurs in Luke 8:40 ; Acts 2:41 ; Acts 15:4 ; Acts 18:1-28 :29; Acts 24:3 ; Acts 28:30 . It contains the idea of a glad, willing acceptance (see note on Acts 2:41 ). So doubtless ἀποδοχή also means "hearty reception." I am chief ; in respect of his having been" a blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious." That great sin was indeed freely forgiven by God's grace, but it could never be forgotten by him who had been guilty of it. "Manet alta mente repostum" (comp. Ephesians 3:8 ).