Episode 315: Chief of Sinners

In 1 Timothy 1:15, the apostle Paul summed up the gospel of God’s grace: “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.” The magnitude of the gift he had gained in Christ was best understood by Paul when set before the dismal backdrop of his own deep depravity. And so, with humble gratitude, Paul accepted the title “chief of sinners.”

Still, although Paul continued to describe himself as the chief of sinners, there is no doubt that he was transformed. He was the beneficiary of a second chance. He was granted the opportunity of a new life. Through his relationship with Jesus, he was able to reset and renew. As a Roman citizen, Paul was essential in establishing Christianity throughout the Empire, including in Rome. The story of his conversion to Christianity, from persecutor to apostle, continues to move Christians even two thousand years later.

Additional scriptures referenced include Acts 9:1; Romans 5:6, 8; Matthew 1:21; Mark 2:17; 1 Corinthians 15:9-10; Ephesians 3:7-8; 1 Timothy 1:12-14, 16; Romans 8:1; Ephesians 4:7; Ephesians 2:19; 1 John 2:25; Luke 18:11-13; and Colossians 2:13.