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Paul a
Sinner -- 1 Timothy 1:15-16
It is argued
that 1 Tim. 1:15-16 is a demonstration of Paul referring to
himself as a sinner.
1 Timothy 1:15-16 This
is a faithful
saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16
However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first
Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering,
as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for
everlasting life.
If the phrase
"of whom I am chief or first" is Paul referring to himself as an
active sinner then he has placed himself in the category of
verse 9 & 10.
1 Timothy 1:9-10 knowing this:
that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the
lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly
and for sinners, for the unholy
and profane, for murderers of fathers and
murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for
fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers,
for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any
other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,
And not only
is Paul saying he is a sinner, he is also saying that he is more
actively involved in it than any other believers.
The
alternative interpretation can be seen in the analysis of the
passage. In summary it is suggested that rather than Paul
referring to himself as a sinner, the 'first' to which Paul is
referring is explained in verse 16 where he describes himself as
the first in reference to being a pattern for those who would
believe.
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