1 Timothy 1:16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering… I. The IMPROBABILITY of Paul's obtaining mercy. "Howbeit, I obtained mercy." II. The MERCY which, notwithstanding the improbability of the case, Paul did receive. 1. It was sovereign in its source. Whence did it spring? Through what medium did it flow? Human merit could have nothing to do in the gift of mercy to the chief of sinners. Mercy always excludes merit, and most evidently so in the instance before us. 2. It was great in its degree. We estimate the greatness of mercy by the guilt of the offender, and by the effects it produces. 3. It was boundless in its blessings. Hear the elevated sentiment of this apostle, writing to the Ephesians: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ"; blessings of the best kind; blessings adapted to the nature and necessities of the soul; blessings that are from heaven, that lead to heaven, that bring us into intimate connection with heavenly realities, and that are durable as their eternal enjoyment. It is the observation of a late author, Though God is sovereign in the bestowment of mercy, He is not niggardly. He goes beyond the humbled sinner's highest expectation. Where he looked for a single drop, there descends the copious shower. Where he hoped to receive the alms of one mite, he finds the collected treasures of a thousand ages, the great mountain of solid gold. III. The DESIGN of its bestowment. 1. It was to illustrate Divine long-suffering. 2. It was to promote human encouragement. We here behold its majesty, its energy, and its triumph. (T. Kidd.) Parallel Verses KJV: Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. |
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