Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Timothy 1:12-17

"I thank him that enabled me, [even] Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to [his] service; though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief: howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." — 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (ASV)

The apostle knew that he would justly have perished if the Lord had strictly noted what was amiss, and also if his grace and mercy had not been abundant to him when he was dead in sin, working faith and love for Christ in his heart.

This is a faithful saying; these are true and faithful words that can be depended on: That the Son of God came into the world willingly and purposely to save sinners.

No one, with Paul's example before him, can question the love and power of Christ to save him, if he really desires to trust in Christ as the Son of God, who once died on the cross, and now reigns upon the throne of glory, to save all who come to God through him.

Let us then admire and praise the grace of God our Savior; and ascribe to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three Persons in the unity of the Godhead, the glory of all done in, by, and for us.