New International Version Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. New Living Translation This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. English Standard Version The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. Berean Standard Bible This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. Berean Literal Bible Trustworthy is the word, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. King James Bible This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost. NASB 1995 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. NASB 1977 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Legacy Standard Bible It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost. Amplified Bible This is a faithful and trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance and approval, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost. Berean Annotated Bible This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ (the Anointed One) Jesus (YHWH saves) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. Christian Standard Bible This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” —and I am the worst of them. Holman Christian Standard Bible This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—and I am the worst of them. American Standard Version Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief: Contemporary English Version "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! English Revised Version Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief: GOD'S WORD® Translation This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the foremost sinner. Good News Translation This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them, International Standard Version This is a trustworthy saying that deserves complete acceptance: To this world Messiah came, sinful people to reclaim. I am the worst of them. NET Bible This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"--and I am the worst of them! New Heart English Bible The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Webster's Bible Translation This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Weymouth New Testament Faithful is the saying, and deserving of universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; among whom I stand foremost. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThis is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. World English Bible The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe word [is] steadfast, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am first; Berean Literal Bible Trustworthy is the word, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. Young's Literal Translation stedfast is the word, and of all acceptation worthy, that Christ Jesus came to the world to save sinners -- first of whom I am; Smith's Literal Translation Faithful the word, and worthy of all acceptance, for Christ Jesus came into the world to save the sinful; of whom I am first. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. Catholic Public Domain Version It is a faithful saying, and worthy of acceptance by everyone, that Christ Jesus came into this world to bring salvation to sinners, among whom I am first. New American Bible This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. New Revised Standard Version The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis is a trustworthy saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Aramaic Bible in Plain English This is a trustworthy saying and worthy of acceptance: “Yeshua The Messiah came to the universe to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAssuredly true and worthy of all acceptation is this saying: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Godbey New Testament It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief: Haweis New Testament It is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. Mace New Testament it is a proposition worthy to be believ'd, and be embrac'd by all, that Jesus Christ is come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the greatest. Weymouth New Testament Faithful is the saying, and deserving of universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; among whom I stand foremost. Worrell New Testament Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief; Worsley New Testament It is a truth highly to be believed, and worthy to be received by all, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners:---of whom I am one of the chief. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context God's Grace to Paul…14And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. 16But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.… Cross References This is a trustworthy saying, 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Timothy 2:11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; Titus 3:8 This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people. worthy of full acceptance: 1 Timothy 4:9 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe. Revelation 22:6 Then the angel said to me, “These words are faithful and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place.” Christ Jesus came into the world John 16:28 I came from the Father and entered the world. In turn, I will leave the world and go to the Father.” 1 John 4:9 This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. to save sinners, Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” of whom I am the worst. 1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. Ephesians 3:8 Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Treasury of Scripture This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. a faithful. 1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 1 Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 1 Timothy 4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. worthy. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: John 3:16,17,36 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life… Acts 11:1,18 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God… that. Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. of whom. 1 Timothy 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. Job 42:6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Ezekiel 16:63 That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD. Jump to Previous Acceptance Acceptation Chief Christ Deserves Deserving Faith Faithful First Foremost Full Jesus Salvation Save Sinners Stand Statement Sure True. Trustworthy Universal Word World WorthyJump to Next Acceptance Acceptation Chief Christ Deserves Deserving Faith Faithful First Foremost Full Jesus Salvation Save Sinners Stand Statement Sure True. Trustworthy Universal Word World Worthy1 Timothy 1 1. Paul declares Timothy is faithful to the charge which was given him at his going to Macedonia.5. The right use and end of the law. 11. Paul's calling to be an apostle; 20. and the disobedience or Hymenaeus and Alexander. This is a trustworthy saying, Paul marks the gospel proclamation as certain, weighty, and dependable. Similar faithful sayings in the Pastoral Epistles preserve truths the early churches confessed and taught. God’s saving work in Christ does not rest on human opinion or religious achievement, but on His revealed and accomplished purpose. 1Ti 3:1 This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be… worthy of full acceptance: The whole church is called to receive this message without reservation. Every sinner, whether openly rebellious or outwardly religious, stands in need of the salvation God has provided. The gospel is not an optional addition to Christian faith; it is its foundation. 1Ti 4:9 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance. Christ Jesus came into the world The eternal Son of God entered human history by taking on true humanity. Jesus came as the promised Christ, the Anointed One foretold in the Scriptures, and as the Savior sent by the Father. His coming fulfilled God’s redemptive plan and displayed His grace toward a fallen world. Jhn 16:28 I came from the Father and entered the world.… to save sinners, Jesus came not merely to teach, heal, or establish an example, but to deliver guilty people from sin’s penalty, power, and condemnation. All humanity shares the condition of sin and cannot reconcile itself to God. Through His sinless life, atoning death, and resurrection, Christ provides forgiveness and new life to all who believe in Him. Luk 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” of whom I am the worst. Paul remembers his former violence against believers and his determined opposition to Christ’s church. Though he had received mercy and had become an apostle, he continued to acknowledge the seriousness of his sin and the greatness of God’s grace. His conversion proves that no sinner lies beyond Christ’s power to save, and his humility directs all glory to the Savior rather than to the saved. 1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to Timothy, Paul is a key figure in the early Christian church. He describes himself as the "worst" of sinners, highlighting his past persecution of Christians before his conversion. 2. Timothy A young pastor and protégé of Paul, Timothy is the recipient of this letter. Paul writes to encourage and instruct him in his pastoral duties. 3. Christ Jesus Central to the message, Jesus is the Savior who came into the world to redeem sinners. His mission is the foundation of Christian faith. 4. Sinners Refers to all humanity, as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Paul emphasizes that Jesus' mission was to save sinners. 5. The World The realm into which Jesus entered to accomplish His mission of salvation. It represents the fallen state of humanity in need of redemption. Teaching Points The Universality of SinRecognize that all have sinned and are in need of salvation. Paul's admission of being the "worst" sinner serves as a reminder of the depth of God's grace. The Mission of Christ Understand that Jesus' primary mission was to save sinners. This truth should be central to our faith and evangelism efforts. Humility and Gratitude Emulate Paul's humility in acknowledging his past and express gratitude for the grace that transforms lives. Trustworthy Sayings Reflect on the reliability of the Gospel message. It is a "trustworthy saying" that should be fully accepted and shared with others. Personal Testimony Use your own account of transformation as a testimony to God's grace, just as Paul did, to encourage others in their faith journey. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 1:15?2. How does 1 Timothy 1:15 emphasize the purpose of Jesus' coming to earth? 3. What does "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" mean for us? 4. How can acknowledging ourselves as "foremost" sinners impact our spiritual growth? 5. How does 1 Timothy 1:15 connect with Romans 5:8 about God's love? 6. In what ways can we share the message of 1 Timothy 1:15 today? 7. What does 1 Timothy 1:15 reveal about the nature of Jesus' mission on Earth? 8. How does 1 Timothy 1:15 define the concept of sin and salvation? 9. Why is Paul’s self-identification as the "worst" sinner significant in 1 Timothy 1:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 1? What Does 1 Timothy 1:15 Mean This is a trustworthy sayingPaul opens with the assurance, “This is a trustworthy saying”. He is flagging the words that follow as rock–solid, bedrock truth. • The phrase shows up elsewhere (1 Timothy 3:1; 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8), always marking out gospel essentials that believers can bank on. • Because “Your word is truth” (John 17:17), we receive the gospel not as speculation but as certainty. • Luke took the same care when he wrote “so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4). When Paul calls something trustworthy, he is inviting us to lean our full weight on it. Worthy of full acceptance The good news is “worthy of full acceptance”. Half-hearted agreement won’t do. • Acts 17:30 urges “all people everywhere to repent.” The message is universal in scope and demands a wholehearted response. • Hebrews 2:1–3 warns that drifting from so great a salvation is dangerous; therefore, complete acceptance is urgent. • James 1:21 tells us to “humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.” Paul presses us not merely to acknowledge this statement but to embrace it as the governing truth of life. Christ Jesus came into the world Here is the centerpiece: the historical incarnation. • John 1:14—“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us”—anchors the claim. • Galatians 4:4–5 reminds us that “when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son… to redeem.” • Philippians 2:6-8 sketches the voluntary descent of the eternal Son who “humbled Himself.” • Luke 19:10 sums it up: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Jesus did not merely appear; He entered our space-time world with a rescue mission in view. To save sinners The purpose clause is crystal clear: salvation. • Matthew 1:21—“He will save His people from their sins.” • Romans 5:8 shows the rescue plan in action: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” • John 3:17 underlines intent: “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” • 1 John 4:14 declares, “The Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.” Humanity’s deepest problem is sin; Christ’s definitive answer is salvation. Of whom I am the worst Paul finishes with startling personal honesty: “of whom I am the worst”. • He remembers persecuting the church (Acts 26:9-11) and calls himself “the least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9) and “the very least of all the saints” (Ephesians 3:8). • His present-tense “I am” underscores ongoing humility, not lingering guilt; grace has saved him, yet memory keeps him grateful. • The statement models the posture every believer should take: recognition of personal sinfulness magnifies Christ’s mercy (Luke 7:47; Romans 3:23-24). Paul is not indulging in self-loathing; he is spotlighting the greatness of the Savior who rescues even the “foremost” sinner. summary Paul’s single verse is a compact gospel diamond. It is completely reliable and demands wholehearted reception. It proclaims the historical arrival of Jesus, the explicit purpose of saving sinners, and the personal testimony of a man who knew he needed that salvation more than anyone. When we, like Paul, admit our own deep need and trust the Savior who came for us, the trustworthy saying becomes our living hope. (15) This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation.—This striking formula in the New Testament, found only in the Pastoral Epistles, here and in 1Timothy 3:1; 1Timothy 4:9; 2Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8; and the somewhat similar expression, “these sayings [words’] are faithful and true,” Revelation 21:5; Revelation 22:6...Verse 15. - Faithful is the saying for this is a faithful saying, A.V. Faithful is the saying (πιστὸς ὁ λόγος). This formula is peculiar to the pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8), and seems to indicate that there were a number of pithy sayings, maxims, portions of hymns or of catechetical teaching, current in the Church, and possibly originating in the inspired sayings of the Church prophets, to which the apostle appeals, and to which he gives his sanction. The one appealed to here would be simply, "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners." This, St. Paul adds, is worthy of all acceptation - by all, and without any reserve. Acceptation (ἀποδοχῆς); only here and 1 Timothy 4:9, in connection with the same formula. The verb ἀποδέχομαι occurs in Luke 8:40; Acts 2:41; Acts 15:4; 18:29; 24:3; 28:30. It contains the idea of a glad, willing acceptance (see note on Acts 2:41). So doubtless ἀποδοχή also means "hearty reception." I am chief; in respect of his having been" a blasphemer, a persecutor, and injurious." That great sin was indeed freely forgiven by God's grace, but it could never be forgotten by him who had been guilty of it. "Manet alta mente repostum" (comp. Ephesians 3:8).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [This is a] trustworthyΠιστὸς (Pistos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful. saying, λόγος (logos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. worthy ἄξιος (axios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 514: Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable. of full πάσης (pasēs) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. acceptance: ἀποδοχῆς (apodochēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 594: (properly: reception, welcome, of guests), acceptance, appreciation, approbation. From apodechomai; acceptance. Christ Χριστὸς (Christos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. came ἦλθεν (ēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2064: To come, go. into εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world κόσμον (kosmon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 2889: Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). to save σῶσαι (sōsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect. sinners, ἁμαρτωλοὺς (hamartōlous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 268: Sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable. From hamartano; sinful, i.e. A sinner. of whom ὧν (hōn) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that. I ἐγώ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. am εἰμι (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] worst. πρῶτός (prōtos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost. Additonal Resources 1 Timothy 1:15 Blue Letter Bible1 Timothy 1:15 Bible Gateway 1 Timothy 1:15 Bible.com 1 Timothy 1:15 NIV |
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