1 Timothy 1:12
Verse
Context
God’s Grace to Paul
11that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.13I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
Sermons
Martyn-Lloyd Jones
Major Ian Thomas
Willie Mullan
Jack David Daniels
William MacDonald
James Malachi Jennings
David GuzikSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I thank Christ - I feel myself under infinite obligation to Christ who hath strengthened me, ενδυναμωσαντι, who hath endued me with various miraculous gifts of his Holy Spirit, and put me into the ministry, διακονιαν, the deaconship, the service of mankind, by preaching the Gospel, for that he counted me - he knew that I would be, faithful to the charge that was delivered to me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The honor done him in having the Gospel ministry committed to him suggests the digression to what he once was, no better (Ti1 1:13) than those lawless ones described above (Ti1 1:9-10), when the grace of our Lord (Ti1 1:14) visited him. And--omitted in most (not all) of the oldest manuscripts. I thank--Greek, "I have (that is, feel) gratitude." enabled me--the same Greek verb as in Act 9:22, "Saul increased the more in strength." An undesigned coincidence between Paul and Luke, his companion. Enabled me, namely, for the ministry. "It is not in my own strength that I bring this doctrine to men, but as strengthened and nerved by Him who saved me" [THEODORET]. Man is by nature "without strength" (Rom 5:6). True conversion and calling confer power [BENGEL]. for that--the main ground of his "thanking Christ." he counted me faithful--He foreordered and foresaw that I would be faithful to the trust committed to me. Paul's thanking God for this shows that the merit of his faithfulness was due solely to God's grace, not to his own natural strength (Co1 7:25). Faithfulness is the quality required in a steward (Co1 4:2). putting me into--rather as in Th1 5:9, "appointing me (in His sovereign purposes of grace) unto the ministry" (Act 20:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, &c. l The subject matter of this thanksgiving being the apostle's call to the ministry of the word, and his furniture and fitness for it, shows, that while others were fond of being teachers, and called doctors of the law, he esteemed it an high honour and special favour bestowed upon him, that he was a preacher of the Gospel; and that all his gifts and abilities for it were not of himself, nor from men, but were owing to the free grace of God, and favour of Christ; wherefore he gloried not in them, as if he had not received them, but gives Christ the glory of them, and thanks to him for them, who hath enabled me; who gave him all his abilities for the preaching of the Gospel, and all that strength to perform the various parts of labour and service he was called unto, and all that firmness, resolution, and fortitude of mind he was endued with, to bear and suffer what he did for the sake of Christ and his Gospel, For that he counted me faithful; not that he was so antecedent to the grace and gifts bestowed on him by Christ, or that Christ foresaw that he would be so, and therefore chose him for his service; but he counted him faithful, having made him so by his grace, and thus he kept him; faithfulness being a necessary requisite and qualification for a Gospel minister, he having a great trust committed to him, being made a steward of the manifold grace and mysteries of God: putting me into the ministry. The ministry of the word, the work of the ministry, or preaching of the Gospel, the dispensation or administration of it to the sons of men; this he did not thrust himself into, nor take this honour to, and of himself; nor was he put into it by men, but was chosen to it of God, and called unto it by the Spirit, and was placed in it by Christ himself, who in person appeared to him, and made a minister of him; see Rom 1:1 Act 13:2. The Arabic and Ethiopic versions read, "his ministry", the ministry of Christ.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle, I. Returns thanks to Jesus Christ for putting him into the ministry. Observe, 1. It is Christ's work to put men into the ministry, Act 26:16, Act 26:17. God condemned the false prophets among the Jews in these words, I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied, Jer 23:21. Ministers, properly speaking, cannot make themselves ministers; for it is Christ's work, as king and head, prophet and teacher, of his church. 2. Those whom he puts into the ministry he fits for it; whom he calls he qualifies. Those ministers who are no way fit for their work, nor have ability for it, are not of Christ's putting into the ministry, though there are different qualifications as to gifts and graces. 3. Christ gives not only ability, but fidelity, to those whom he puts into the ministry: He counted me faithful; and none are counted faithful but those whom he makes so. Christ's ministers are trusty servants, and they ought to be so, having so great a trust committed to them. 4. A call to the ministry is a great favour, for which those who are so called ought to give thanks to Jesus Christ: I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath put me into the ministry. II. The more to magnify the grace of Christ in putting him into the ministry, he gives an account of his conversion. 1. What he was before his conversion: A blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious. Saul breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, Act 9:1. He made havoc of the church, Act 8:3. He was a blasphemer of God, a persecutor of the saints, and injurious to both. Frequently those who are designed for great and eminent services are left to themselves before their conversion, to fall into great wickedness, that the mercy of God may be the more glorified in their remission, and the grace of God in their regeneration. The greatness of sin is no bar to our acceptance with God, no, nor to our being employed for him, if it be truly repented of. Observe here, (1.) Blasphemy, persecution, and injuriousness, are very great and heinous sins, and those who are guilty of them are sinners before God exceedingly. To blaspheme God is immediately and directly to strike at God; to persecute his people is to endeavour to wound him through their sides; and to be injurious is to be like Ishmael, whose hand was against every one, and every one was against him; for such invade God's prerogative, and encroach upon the liberties of their fellow-creatures. (2.) True penitents, to serve a good purpose, will not be backward to own their former condition before they were brought home to God: this good apostle often confessed what his former life had been, as Act 22:4; Act 26:10, Act 26:11. 2. The great favour of God to him: But I obtained mercy. This was a blessed but indeed, a great favour, that so notorious a rebel should find mercy with his prince. (1.) If Paul had persecuted the Christians wilfully, knowing them to be the people of God, for aught I know he had been guilty of the unpardonable sin; but, because he did it ignorantly and in unbelief, he obtained mercy. Note, [1.] What we do ignorantly is a less crime than what we do knowingly; yet a sin of ignorance is a sin, for he that knew not his Master's will, but did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes, Luk 12:48. Ignorance in some cases will extenuate a crime, though it do not take it away. [2.] Unbelief is at the bottom of what sinners do ignorantly; they do not believe God's threatenings, otherwise they could not do as they do. [3.] For these reasons Paul obtained mercy: But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly, in unbelief. [4.] Here was mercy for a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an injurious person: "But I obtained mercy, I a blasphemer," etc. (2.) Here he takes notice of the abundant grace of Jesus Christ, Ti1 1:14. The conversion and salvation of great sinners are owing to the grace of Christ, his exceedingly abundant grace, even that grace of Christ which appears in his glorious gospel (Ti1 1:15): This is a faithful saying, etc. Here we have the sum of the whole gospel, that Jesus Christ came into the world. The Son of God took upon him our nature, was made flesh, and dwelt among us, Joh 1:14. He came into the world, not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance, Mat 9:13. His errand into the world was to seek and find, and so save, those that were lost, Luk 19:10. The ratification of this is that it is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation. It is good news, worthy of all acceptation; and yet not too good to be true, for it is a faithful saying. It is a faithful saying, and therefore worthy to be embraced in the arms of faith: it is worthy of all acceptation, and therefore to be received with holy love, which refers to the foregoing verse, where the grace of Christ is said to abound in faith and love. In the close of the verse Paul applies it to himself: Of whom I am chief. Paul was a sinner of the first rank; so he acknowledges himself to have been, for he breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, etc., Act 9:1, Act 9:2. Persecutors are some of the worst of sinners: such a one Paul had been. Or, of whom I am chief, that is, of pardoned sinners I am chief. It is an expression of his great humility; he that elsewhere calls himself the least of all saints (Eph 3:8) here calls himself the chief of sinners. Observe, [1.] Christ Jesus has come into the world; the prophecies concerning his coming are now fulfilled. [2.] He came to save sinners; he came to save those who could not save and help themselves. [3.] Blasphemers and persecutors are the chief of sinners, so Paul reckoned them. [4.] The chief of sinners may become the chief of saints; so this apostle was, for he was not a whit behind the very chief apostles (Co2 11:5), for Christ came to save the chief of sinners. [5.] This is a very great truth, it is a faithful saying; these are true and faithful words, which may be depended on. [6.] It deserves to be received, to be believed by us all, for our comfort and encouragement. (3.) The mercy which Paul found with God, notwithstanding his great wickedness before his conversion, he speaks of, [1.] For the encouragement of others to repent and believe (Ti1 1:16): For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to those who should hereafter believe. It was an instance of the long-suffering of Christ that he would bear so much with one who had been so very provoking; and it was designed for a pattern to all others, that the greatest sinners might not despair of mercy with God. Note here, First, Our apostle was one of the first great sinners converted to Christianity. Secondly, He was converted, and obtained mercy, for the sake of others as well as of himself; he was a pattern to others. Thirdly, The Lord Jesus Christ shows great long-suffering in the conversion of great sinners. Fourthly, Those who obtain mercy believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; for without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb 11:6. Fifthly, Those who believe on Christ believe on him to life everlasting; they believe to the saving of the soul, Heb 10:39. [2.] He mentions it to the glory of God having spoken of the mercy he had found with God, he could not go on with his letter without inserting a thankful acknowledgment of God's goodness to him: Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Observe, First, That grace which we have the comfort of God must have the glory of. Those who are sensible of their obligations to the mercy and grace of God will have their hearts enlarged in his praise. Here is praise ascribed to him, as the King eternal, immortal, invisible. Secondly, When we have found God good we must not forget to pronounce him great; and his kind thoughts of us must not at all abate our high thoughts of him, but rather increase them. God had taken particular cognizance of Paul, and shown him mercy, and taken him into communion with himself, and yet he calls him the King eternal, etc. God's gracious dealings with us should fill us with admiration of his glorious attributes. He is eternal, without beginning of days, or end of life, or change of time. He is the Ancient of days, Dan 7:9. He is immortal, and the original of immortality; he only has immortality (Ti1 6:16), for he cannot die. He is invisible, for he cannot be seen with mortal eyes, dwelling in the light to which no man can approach, whom no man hath seen nor can see, Ti1 6:16. He is the only wise God (Jde 1:25); he only is infinitely wise, and the fountain of all wisdom. "To him be glory for ever and ever," or, "Let me be for ever employed in giving honour and glory to him, as the thousands of thousands do," Rev 5:12, Rev 5:13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12-17 This expression of gratitude is a parenthesis from Paul’s charge to Timothy (1:3-11, 18-20). Triggered by the mention of Paul’s role (1:11), it gives perspective on the source of Paul’s thankfulness and provides a model for its readers. When talking about his own work, Paul directs glory to God and makes it plain that he is doing God’s work (see also 2 Cor 1:21-22; 2:14-17; 3:4-6; 4:7; 12:9-10).
1 Timothy 1:12
God’s Grace to Paul
11that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.13I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Ignorance, Prejudice
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones4.6K47:16Ignorance1TI 1:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of recognizing our own failures and sins. He emphasizes the incredible love of God, who sent His Son to die for the sins of the world. The preacher also addresses the modern problem of immorality and the breakdown of morality in society. He challenges the idea that education and knowledge alone can solve these issues, highlighting the power of sin and the need for a transformation of the heart.
The Major Ian Thomas Story-03 Biography
By Major Ian Thomas3.4K48:15BiographyMAT 6:33JHN 14:12ACT 1:12ACT 5:14ACT 5:201CO 12:271TI 1:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's instructions and going where we are sent. He shares a story about a young crew member who hesitates to go out in a dangerous rescue mission, but is encouraged by an experienced sailor to prioritize saving lives over personal safety. The speaker relates this story to the marching orders given to believers by the Holy Spirit, urging them to use their abilities and resources to spread the gospel. He highlights the significance of preaching the message of eternal life through Jesus Christ and inviting others to come alive in their relationship with God.
(Depressed Disciples) That One Sin
By Willie Mullan2.0K58:18SinMAT 6:33ACT 10:15ACT 13:38ROM 3:28EPH 1:71TI 1:12JAS 4:7In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about his experience as a prisoner in a German prison camp after World War II. He reflects on the defeat of Hitler and the young boys who were left to guard the camp. The preacher then recounts a violent act he committed by stabbing two of the young guards with a butcher's knife. He also shares another story of a woman who confesses to a sin she committed as a young girl. The preacher emphasizes the need for understanding justification by faith and refers to 1 Timothy 1:12 as a basis for his teaching.
Testimony
By Jack David Daniels1.9K1:23:14TestimonyMAT 3:16MAT 6:33JHN 3:161TI 1:12In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes and emphasizes the importance of having Jesus in one's life. He warns against the negative consequences of worldly pleasures, such as broken homes, jail cells, and mental institutions, which are not shown in beer commercials. The preacher also highlights the significance of having standards based on God's Word rather than comparing oneself to others. He concludes by expressing his love for America and encouraging patriotism.
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
Have You Learned the Secret? by James Jennings
By James Malachi Jennings59559:41PSA 68:352CO 12:9PHP 4:10PHP 4:131TI 1:122TI 4:17
This sermon focuses on Paul's contentment in Christ, highlighting the secret he learned that allowed him to be content in all circumstances. Paul's reliance on Christ's strength, his acknowledgment of weakness, and his satisfaction in Christ alone are key points. The sermon emphasizes the need to trust in Christ's power, acknowledge personal weakness, and find true satisfaction in Christ regardless of circumstances.
The Call to Faithfulness
By David Guzik55132:58EXO 39:421TI 1:12In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of God's call in our lives. He emphasizes that God wants us to walk worthy of this calling, which is demonstrated in four different aspects. The first aspect is the call to faith, which is the call to salvation. The speaker references the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 to illustrate the principle that faithfulness is rewarded. He also highlights the importance of being faithful in the specific roles and positions that God has placed us in, such as being a husband or a mother. The speaker concludes by discussing the three things that are involved in being faithful.
The Second Coming 07 How I Came to Know Him
By Stan Ford43655:49GEN 3:8GEN 37:28MAT 22:37ROM 3:231TI 1:121TI 1:152TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of encountering Jesus and the impact it had on his life. He describes how he initially had a religious mindset but was confronted with the truth about his own sinfulness through the Word of God. This realization led him to understand the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for his sins. As he continued to attend the preaching sessions, he found joy and peace in the presence of God and became more engaged with the message. The preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus and His love rather than just following a set of rules or regulations.
Homily 12 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom01TI 1:12John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of giving thanks to God for His protection, highlighting the need to remember past trials and sins as a reminder of God's mercy and to avoid becoming complacent in times of joy. He emphasizes the significance of acknowledging our sins, receiving God's pardon, and being vigilant to not fall back into the same traps. Chrysostom also discusses the natural law implanted in humans by God, where conscience teaches us right from wrong, and the duty to avoid oaths with diligence, as revealed through self-taught laws and the judgment of God based on our deeds.
Faithfulness
By A.W. Pink0FaithfulnessLoyalty to GodNUM 12:7PSA 31:23PRO 13:17JER 23:28DAN 6:41CO 4:21CO 4:17GAL 3:91TI 1:12REV 2:10A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of faithfulness in ministry, asserting that it is a non-negotiable requirement for those appointed as stewards of God's Word. He highlights that true faithfulness involves loyalty to Christ, unwavering commitment to preaching the truth, and the courage to stand firm against popular opinion. Pink illustrates this with examples from Scripture, noting that faithful servants like Abraham, Moses, and Paul were marked by their steadfastness despite personal costs. He warns that in a world rife with disloyalty and compromise, ministers must rely on God's promises to sustain their faithfulness. Ultimately, Pink calls all believers to embody this virtue, reminding them that faithfulness is essential for both ministers and the wider church community.
Preparation for Praise
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 40:1ROM 8:17PHP 3:101TI 1:121PE 4:12Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of enduring trials and suffering, drawing inspiration from the experiences of David in the Bible. He emphasizes that every sorrow and deliverance in our lives adds to the beautiful melody of praise we offer to God. By waiting on God and surrendering to His will, we can deepen our relationship with Him and be transformed to be more like Christ, increasing our capacity for empathy and understanding. Cowman encourages the congregation not to fear the trials that come their way, as these experiences are opportunities for spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.
Paul's Humiliating Confession
By Thomas Reade0JER 1:17EZK 2:6MAL 2:6ACT 4:29ACT 9:1ACT 14:19ACT 26:91CO 15:92CO 11:23GAL 1:13PHP 3:41TI 1:12REV 2:4Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's humiliating confession, the opposition he faced from the Jews, his reception by the apostles in Jerusalem, and the natural energy of his character. Reade emphasizes the importance of humility in acknowledging our sins and the transforming power of God's grace in Paul's life. He highlights Paul's boldness in preaching the Gospel despite persecution and encourages believers to have unwavering faith and courage in sharing the message of salvation. Reade urges Christians to be examples in love, faith, and purity, following Paul's dedication and zeal in serving the Lord.
Hezekiah Opens the Temple
By C.I. Scofield02CH 29:18JHN 13:41TI 1:122TI 2:20HEB 10:121JN 1:9C.I. Scofield preaches on the importance of thorough spiritual cleansing and restoration to God, using the example of the cleansing of vessels in 2 Chronicles 29:18-31. The sermon emphasizes the need for deep searching of the heart, genuine confession, and separation from dishonorable practices to become vessels fit for God's use. It highlights the significance of acknowledging the eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the resulting praise, worship, and readiness for service that follows a truly restored heart.
The Manliness of the Man
By George Kulp0ACT 26:16ROM 10:171CO 12:4EPH 3:2EPH 3:71TI 1:12HEB 4:161PE 5:51JN 5:14George Kulp preaches about being a minister according to the gift and grace of God, emphasizing the importance of attaining a state of mind where one is drawn to duty by delight rather than afflictions. He exemplifies extraordinary humility, profound faith, and a deep unity in theology, bridging the gap between the depravity of sinners and the high calling of saints. Kulp's character is marked by a perfect harmony of religious feeling, kindness, humor, and a constant communion with the Trinity, making his preaching vivid, powerful, and hortatory, appealing directly to the hearts and consciences of his listeners.
The Olivet Discourse Part 2c – Christendom: the Talents
By C.H. Mackintosh0MAT 25:14LUK 19:12ACT 1:24ACT 6:1ACT 14:23ROM 12:31CO 12:18EPH 4:71TI 1:122TI 4:1C.H. Mackintosh preaches on the importance of divine appointment and ability in ministry, emphasizing that only Christ can call and equip individuals for His work. He highlights the need for ministry to be carried out with the awareness of the Lord's return, as seen in the parables of the talents and the ten servants. Mackintosh stresses that ministry, whether inside the house of God or in the world, must be rooted in divine appointment and divine ability, as shown throughout the Scriptures.
The Greatest Loss
By James Smith0MAT 11:28MRK 8:36JHN 3:16ACT 4:12ROM 10:91TI 1:12HEB 7:251JN 5:12REV 3:20James Smith preaches about the importance of securing the salvation of our souls by entrusting them to Jesus. He emphasizes that while we may lose many things in life, the most crucial thing is to ensure the safety of our souls through faith in Jesus. Smith urges readers to consider the eternal consequences of losing their souls and highlights the necessity of committing their souls to Jesus for salvation, as nothing else can save or justify them before God. He warns against the dreadful fate of damnation for unbelievers and encourages readers to believe in Jesus to secure their souls' eternal safety.
(Gaining God's Approval) 1. Called, Chosen and Faithful
By Zac Poonen0JDG 7:1LUK 21:34JHN 2:231CO 7:29COL 3:21TI 1:122TI 2:42TI 2:15REV 17:14Zac Poonen preaches on the distinction between being accepted by God and being approved by God, emphasizing the importance of being faithful over just being called or chosen. He highlights the example of the overcomers in the book of Revelation who have been tested and approved by God. Using the stories of Gideon's army and Jesus' caution against being weighed down by worldly cares, Zac Poonen stresses the need for believers to be tested in daily life and to maintain undistracted devotion to the Lord. He urges Christians to be like Paul and Timothy, diligently seeking God's approval through faithfulness and surrender.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
By St. John Chrysostom01CO 10:121CO 15:31CO 15:91TI 1:12HEB 4:7HEB 12:12John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of humility, gratitude, and contentment in the face of life's challenges. He emphasizes the need to acknowledge our faults and attribute our successes to God's grace, showcasing Paul's humility in recognizing his past sins and God's transformative work in his life. Chrysostom encourages the congregation to focus on eternal values rather than temporary worldly distinctions, reminding them of the fleeting nature of wealth, honor, and disgrace. He urges believers to find comfort in the consideration of future blessings and trials, guiding them towards a mindset of enduring joy and hope in Christ.
Strength for the Journey
By David Wilkerson0Divine CallingStrength in SufferingACT 9:162CO 4:12CO 6:32CO 6:101TI 1:12David Wilkerson emphasizes that true ministry is not conferred by human authority but is a divine calling from Jesus Christ, who enables and strengthens believers through their trials. He reflects on the apostle Paul's conversion and the ministry of suffering that all Christians are called to endure, assuring that Christ provides a continual supply of strength for this journey. Wilkerson warns that those who neglect spiritual growth will struggle in times of hardship, while those who focus on Christ will be transformed and equipped to shine hope amidst suffering. Ultimately, he encourages believers to reflect the hope of Christ, making others curious about their peace and strength in adversity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I thank Christ - I feel myself under infinite obligation to Christ who hath strengthened me, ενδυναμωσαντι, who hath endued me with various miraculous gifts of his Holy Spirit, and put me into the ministry, διακονιαν, the deaconship, the service of mankind, by preaching the Gospel, for that he counted me - he knew that I would be, faithful to the charge that was delivered to me.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The honor done him in having the Gospel ministry committed to him suggests the digression to what he once was, no better (Ti1 1:13) than those lawless ones described above (Ti1 1:9-10), when the grace of our Lord (Ti1 1:14) visited him. And--omitted in most (not all) of the oldest manuscripts. I thank--Greek, "I have (that is, feel) gratitude." enabled me--the same Greek verb as in Act 9:22, "Saul increased the more in strength." An undesigned coincidence between Paul and Luke, his companion. Enabled me, namely, for the ministry. "It is not in my own strength that I bring this doctrine to men, but as strengthened and nerved by Him who saved me" [THEODORET]. Man is by nature "without strength" (Rom 5:6). True conversion and calling confer power [BENGEL]. for that--the main ground of his "thanking Christ." he counted me faithful--He foreordered and foresaw that I would be faithful to the trust committed to me. Paul's thanking God for this shows that the merit of his faithfulness was due solely to God's grace, not to his own natural strength (Co1 7:25). Faithfulness is the quality required in a steward (Co1 4:2). putting me into--rather as in Th1 5:9, "appointing me (in His sovereign purposes of grace) unto the ministry" (Act 20:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, &c. l The subject matter of this thanksgiving being the apostle's call to the ministry of the word, and his furniture and fitness for it, shows, that while others were fond of being teachers, and called doctors of the law, he esteemed it an high honour and special favour bestowed upon him, that he was a preacher of the Gospel; and that all his gifts and abilities for it were not of himself, nor from men, but were owing to the free grace of God, and favour of Christ; wherefore he gloried not in them, as if he had not received them, but gives Christ the glory of them, and thanks to him for them, who hath enabled me; who gave him all his abilities for the preaching of the Gospel, and all that strength to perform the various parts of labour and service he was called unto, and all that firmness, resolution, and fortitude of mind he was endued with, to bear and suffer what he did for the sake of Christ and his Gospel, For that he counted me faithful; not that he was so antecedent to the grace and gifts bestowed on him by Christ, or that Christ foresaw that he would be so, and therefore chose him for his service; but he counted him faithful, having made him so by his grace, and thus he kept him; faithfulness being a necessary requisite and qualification for a Gospel minister, he having a great trust committed to him, being made a steward of the manifold grace and mysteries of God: putting me into the ministry. The ministry of the word, the work of the ministry, or preaching of the Gospel, the dispensation or administration of it to the sons of men; this he did not thrust himself into, nor take this honour to, and of himself; nor was he put into it by men, but was chosen to it of God, and called unto it by the Spirit, and was placed in it by Christ himself, who in person appeared to him, and made a minister of him; see Rom 1:1 Act 13:2. The Arabic and Ethiopic versions read, "his ministry", the ministry of Christ.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle, I. Returns thanks to Jesus Christ for putting him into the ministry. Observe, 1. It is Christ's work to put men into the ministry, Act 26:16, Act 26:17. God condemned the false prophets among the Jews in these words, I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied, Jer 23:21. Ministers, properly speaking, cannot make themselves ministers; for it is Christ's work, as king and head, prophet and teacher, of his church. 2. Those whom he puts into the ministry he fits for it; whom he calls he qualifies. Those ministers who are no way fit for their work, nor have ability for it, are not of Christ's putting into the ministry, though there are different qualifications as to gifts and graces. 3. Christ gives not only ability, but fidelity, to those whom he puts into the ministry: He counted me faithful; and none are counted faithful but those whom he makes so. Christ's ministers are trusty servants, and they ought to be so, having so great a trust committed to them. 4. A call to the ministry is a great favour, for which those who are so called ought to give thanks to Jesus Christ: I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath put me into the ministry. II. The more to magnify the grace of Christ in putting him into the ministry, he gives an account of his conversion. 1. What he was before his conversion: A blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious. Saul breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, Act 9:1. He made havoc of the church, Act 8:3. He was a blasphemer of God, a persecutor of the saints, and injurious to both. Frequently those who are designed for great and eminent services are left to themselves before their conversion, to fall into great wickedness, that the mercy of God may be the more glorified in their remission, and the grace of God in their regeneration. The greatness of sin is no bar to our acceptance with God, no, nor to our being employed for him, if it be truly repented of. Observe here, (1.) Blasphemy, persecution, and injuriousness, are very great and heinous sins, and those who are guilty of them are sinners before God exceedingly. To blaspheme God is immediately and directly to strike at God; to persecute his people is to endeavour to wound him through their sides; and to be injurious is to be like Ishmael, whose hand was against every one, and every one was against him; for such invade God's prerogative, and encroach upon the liberties of their fellow-creatures. (2.) True penitents, to serve a good purpose, will not be backward to own their former condition before they were brought home to God: this good apostle often confessed what his former life had been, as Act 22:4; Act 26:10, Act 26:11. 2. The great favour of God to him: But I obtained mercy. This was a blessed but indeed, a great favour, that so notorious a rebel should find mercy with his prince. (1.) If Paul had persecuted the Christians wilfully, knowing them to be the people of God, for aught I know he had been guilty of the unpardonable sin; but, because he did it ignorantly and in unbelief, he obtained mercy. Note, [1.] What we do ignorantly is a less crime than what we do knowingly; yet a sin of ignorance is a sin, for he that knew not his Master's will, but did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes, Luk 12:48. Ignorance in some cases will extenuate a crime, though it do not take it away. [2.] Unbelief is at the bottom of what sinners do ignorantly; they do not believe God's threatenings, otherwise they could not do as they do. [3.] For these reasons Paul obtained mercy: But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly, in unbelief. [4.] Here was mercy for a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an injurious person: "But I obtained mercy, I a blasphemer," etc. (2.) Here he takes notice of the abundant grace of Jesus Christ, Ti1 1:14. The conversion and salvation of great sinners are owing to the grace of Christ, his exceedingly abundant grace, even that grace of Christ which appears in his glorious gospel (Ti1 1:15): This is a faithful saying, etc. Here we have the sum of the whole gospel, that Jesus Christ came into the world. The Son of God took upon him our nature, was made flesh, and dwelt among us, Joh 1:14. He came into the world, not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance, Mat 9:13. His errand into the world was to seek and find, and so save, those that were lost, Luk 19:10. The ratification of this is that it is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation. It is good news, worthy of all acceptation; and yet not too good to be true, for it is a faithful saying. It is a faithful saying, and therefore worthy to be embraced in the arms of faith: it is worthy of all acceptation, and therefore to be received with holy love, which refers to the foregoing verse, where the grace of Christ is said to abound in faith and love. In the close of the verse Paul applies it to himself: Of whom I am chief. Paul was a sinner of the first rank; so he acknowledges himself to have been, for he breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, etc., Act 9:1, Act 9:2. Persecutors are some of the worst of sinners: such a one Paul had been. Or, of whom I am chief, that is, of pardoned sinners I am chief. It is an expression of his great humility; he that elsewhere calls himself the least of all saints (Eph 3:8) here calls himself the chief of sinners. Observe, [1.] Christ Jesus has come into the world; the prophecies concerning his coming are now fulfilled. [2.] He came to save sinners; he came to save those who could not save and help themselves. [3.] Blasphemers and persecutors are the chief of sinners, so Paul reckoned them. [4.] The chief of sinners may become the chief of saints; so this apostle was, for he was not a whit behind the very chief apostles (Co2 11:5), for Christ came to save the chief of sinners. [5.] This is a very great truth, it is a faithful saying; these are true and faithful words, which may be depended on. [6.] It deserves to be received, to be believed by us all, for our comfort and encouragement. (3.) The mercy which Paul found with God, notwithstanding his great wickedness before his conversion, he speaks of, [1.] For the encouragement of others to repent and believe (Ti1 1:16): For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to those who should hereafter believe. It was an instance of the long-suffering of Christ that he would bear so much with one who had been so very provoking; and it was designed for a pattern to all others, that the greatest sinners might not despair of mercy with God. Note here, First, Our apostle was one of the first great sinners converted to Christianity. Secondly, He was converted, and obtained mercy, for the sake of others as well as of himself; he was a pattern to others. Thirdly, The Lord Jesus Christ shows great long-suffering in the conversion of great sinners. Fourthly, Those who obtain mercy believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; for without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb 11:6. Fifthly, Those who believe on Christ believe on him to life everlasting; they believe to the saving of the soul, Heb 10:39. [2.] He mentions it to the glory of God having spoken of the mercy he had found with God, he could not go on with his letter without inserting a thankful acknowledgment of God's goodness to him: Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Observe, First, That grace which we have the comfort of God must have the glory of. Those who are sensible of their obligations to the mercy and grace of God will have their hearts enlarged in his praise. Here is praise ascribed to him, as the King eternal, immortal, invisible. Secondly, When we have found God good we must not forget to pronounce him great; and his kind thoughts of us must not at all abate our high thoughts of him, but rather increase them. God had taken particular cognizance of Paul, and shown him mercy, and taken him into communion with himself, and yet he calls him the King eternal, etc. God's gracious dealings with us should fill us with admiration of his glorious attributes. He is eternal, without beginning of days, or end of life, or change of time. He is the Ancient of days, Dan 7:9. He is immortal, and the original of immortality; he only has immortality (Ti1 6:16), for he cannot die. He is invisible, for he cannot be seen with mortal eyes, dwelling in the light to which no man can approach, whom no man hath seen nor can see, Ti1 6:16. He is the only wise God (Jde 1:25); he only is infinitely wise, and the fountain of all wisdom. "To him be glory for ever and ever," or, "Let me be for ever employed in giving honour and glory to him, as the thousands of thousands do," Rev 5:12, Rev 5:13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:12-17 This expression of gratitude is a parenthesis from Paul’s charge to Timothy (1:3-11, 18-20). Triggered by the mention of Paul’s role (1:11), it gives perspective on the source of Paul’s thankfulness and provides a model for its readers. When talking about his own work, Paul directs glory to God and makes it plain that he is doing God’s work (see also 2 Cor 1:21-22; 2:14-17; 3:4-6; 4:7; 12:9-10).