Truth: Paul’s words in this passage are deeply personal, but his testimony is not entirely subjective. He affirms the objective truth, the historical reality, the trustworthy statement that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (v15). In this brief yet profound statement, Paul highlights who Jesus is, what He has done, His purpose, and His people.[1] These are the facts of the gospel in a nutshell. Paul’s testimony was not merely feelings, but a personal encounter with the historical Jesus who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
Testimony: Paul thanks the Lord for His mercy and grace. He remembers just how unworthy he was: a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent aggressor. He slandered Christ, harmed His people, and did it all as an arrogant sadist (v13). Yet Christ did not deal with him according to his sins (Ps. 103:10). Instead, He treated him as trustworthy,[2] placed him into ministry, and enabled him for this work (v12). Jesus had mercy on him when he was in the pit of ignorance in unbelief (v13). His grace overflowed toward him, giving him faith to replace unbelief and love to counter his hostility (v14). What’s more? Paul became a trophy of His grace, the proof that no one is beyond Jesus’ power to save (v16). If Christ saved a wretch like Paul, there is no one He cannot save. No past is too dark for His light. No past is too dirty for His cleansing blood. May all taste of His kindness and abound with praise forevermore (v17).[3]
[1] Jesus is identified as “Christ” (Ps. 2:6-12); He came into the created order from the outside, from heaven, where the Father eternally dwells (John 3:13, 31; 6:33, 51; 16:28); His purpose was to save (Luke 19:10; John 3:17; 12:47); and the people He came to save were unworthy sinners (Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32; 15:4; 19:10).
[2] To consider (ἡγέομαι) is to see something or someone differently than they appear (cf. Phil. 2:3; James 1:2). Jesus treated Paul as if he were trustworthy for the gospel ministry (1:11; cf. also Acts 9:15; 22:15; 26:16-18).
[3] The repetition of the language of eternity shows Paul envisioned “eternal life” (v16) as the eternal praise of the eternal God for all eternity (Rev. 5:13; 7:9-10; Ps. 145:1-2).