1 Timothy 1:12-16

¹²And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus, our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; ¹³although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ¹⁴The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵The saying is faithful, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. ¹⁶However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him to eternal life.