How does Paul's testimony in Acts 22:19 connect with 1 Timothy 1:15-16? Tracing the Scene in Acts 22:19 “ ‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You.’ ” (Acts 22:19) • Paul is recounting his past before an angry Jerusalem crowd; he is on the steps of the fortress, explaining his conversion. • He speaks to Jesus in a temple vision (Acts 22:17-21), reminding the Lord of his former violence. • The line drips with personal guilt—Paul freely names his own crimes against believers. Paul’s Honesty about Sin • He does not minimize his actions: “imprisoned and beat.” • Similar admissions: Acts 9:4-5; Galatians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 15:9. • By stating the ugly truth, Paul sets the stage for magnifying grace. Stepping into 1 Timothy 1:15-16 “This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But 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.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16) Key Connections • Same man, same memory: the persecutor (Acts 22:19) calls himself “the worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). • Both contexts highlight Christ’s initiative—Jesus meets Paul (Acts 22:8,10); Christ “came into the world” (1 Timothy 1:15). • Mercy is the hinge: in Acts Paul recounts it; in 1 Timothy he explains its purpose—“to display His perfect patience.” Shared Themes in Bullet Form • Sin acknowledged openly • Mercy received undeservedly • Purpose assigned missionally – Acts 22:21: “Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” – 1 Timothy 1:16: “as an example to those who would believe.” • Glory returned exclusively to Christ (1 Timothy 1:17; cf. Acts 22:20’s silent grief over Stephen). Why It Matters Today • No past is beyond Christ’s redeeming reach. • Transparent confession, like Paul’s, magnifies grace (Romans 5:20). • Saved people become sent people—grace propels mission (Ephesians 2:4-10). • Our stories, when anchored in truth and mercy, become living illustrations of the gospel’s power, just as Paul’s did in both passages. |
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