1 Timothy 1:15

15. Faithful saying A full trustworthy proposition. This is one of the phrases peculiar to the pastoral epistles. See 1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 1:9; Titus 3:8.

All acceptation Acceptation entire, and by all. This comprehensive and glorious saying lies in the apostle’s train of thought; for he had found it faithful and true in his own experience.

Save sinners So that it is our sins that give us a claim upon this Saviour. If we are no sinners, then for us Christ is no Saviour.

I am chief Literally, I am πρωτος , first; not, of course, in the order of time, but of eminence. Dr. Clarke seems to think it necessary to maintain that Paul was literally and accurately the greatest sinner that ever lived. But compare the similar hyperboles at 1 Corinthians 15:9, and Ephesians 3:8. Yet we coincide with Flatt (quoted by Huther) in noting the want of the Greek article before the word πρωτος , and translating it not the first, or the chief; but a chief, a first, one of the first. We agree with Huther that Paul’s words need no softening; and we may add, no hardening either. No one can doubt that the article would have increased the emphasis, and the due import of its omission must be acknowledged.

Note the present tense: not was, but am chief. For though forgiven, saved, apostled, he is still that same Saul; he is the man who sinned; the past can never be undone. Even though saved, he is forever a saved sinner.

Yet in what sense could the dying Wesley affirm:

“I the chief of sinners am,

But Jesus died for me?”

Not certainly as a literal fact, but as a profound assumption before God. He renounced all claims, and freely and fully consented to be saved at God’s estimate, even if it be as the greatest of sinners, by Christ’s atonement.