Paul’s statement that he was the “chief” of sinners has puzzled many readers of the Bible. What did he mean by this? A close look at the context provides some helpful insights.
The Context of 1 Timothy 1:15
Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 1:15 come within a passage where he is giving Timothy instructions about false teachers who were promoting controversies and speculation rather than God’s work, which is by faith. He reminds Timothy that the goal of his instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (v. 5).
In verse 12, Paul expresses thankfulness that Christ considered him faithful and appointed him to ministry, even though he had formerly been a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent of Christ. This provides the background for his striking statement in verse 15:
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.
Paul is reflecting humility and awe at the grace shown to him, since he had bitterly opposed Christ prior to his conversion. By referring to himself as the “foremost” of sinners, he does not mean that he has committed more or worse sins than anyone else. Rather, he is expressing how unworthy he feels of God’s mercy in light of his former hatred of Jesus and persecution of the church. He is amazed that God would choose him and appoint him to Christian ministry.
Paul as an Aggressive Persecutor
The book of Acts describes Paul (then known as Saul) as an ardent persecutor of the early church following the stoning of Stephen. Acts 8:3 states:
But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
Paul himself admits having persecuted the church “violently” and trying to destroy it (Galatians 1:13). He describes having imprisoned Christians and voting to put them to death (Acts 26:10). As an aggressive opponent of the gospel, it is no wonder he felt like the “worst of sinners” before coming to faith in Christ.
Paul Had Been a Respected Jewish Leader
Not only had Paul persecuted Christians, but he had been a leader and role model within Judaism. In Galatians 1:14 he says:
I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.
As a respected Pharisee, Paul would have been viewed as righteous according to the law. But he came to regard all his religious credentials as worthless, even referring to them as “rubbish” (Philippians 3:8), in light of the surpassing value of knowing Christ. His former status made his conversion all the more remarkable.
Paul’s Extreme Gratitude
Given his former hostility toward Christ, Paul expressed amazement that God would choose him for salvation and service. His words in 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 reflect this deep gratitude:
For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.
Paul considered any good he was able to do in ministry a testimony to God’s grace at work in him. The more he understood his former sin, the more shocked he was at God’s mercy. This shaped his humility.
The Contrast Between Law and Grace
Paul’s statement also highlights the contrast between trying to be righteous by the law, and the righteousness from God that comes by faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). He writes in Romans 5:20-21:
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Where sin abounded in Paul’s life, he saw God’s grace super-abound. This reflects the very purpose of Christ’s coming.
Paul Was Comparing Himself to Other Christians
Some interpreters suggest Paul was comparing himself to other Christians when he said he was the “foremost” of sinners. As one who had violently persecuted the church, Paul saw himself as worse than other believers who had not reacted so aggressively toward Christ. He felt keenly unworthy next to those who had served Christ faithfully.
The Emphasis Is on God’s Grace
Ultimately, Paul’s statement highlights the power of God’s grace to transform even the worst of sinners. It matters little whether Paul was technically the “chief” of sinners; what matters is that God’s mercy redeemed him and commissioned him. This gives hope to all who turn to Christ in repentance and faith. By highlighting God’s gracious choice of the undeserving, the statement magnifies divine grace.
Paul Never Forgot His Past
Some note that years after his conversion, as Paul reflected back on his former life, he continued to describe himself as the “foremost” of sinners. Though forgiven, he never forgot his past sins, keeping him humble and grateful. This shaped his sense of identity in Christ.
Just as Paul counted all his religious credentials as rubbish after meeting Christ, he looked back on his former sin and saw any personal righteousness as worthless. By continually pointing to the grace that redeemed him, he kept the emphasis on what God did, not on his own works.
Paul Was Not Glorifying His Sin
Importantly, Paul’s statement does not glorify or excuse his sin. He is clear that he acted in ignorance and unbelief (1 Timothy 1:13). His violence against the church was wrong. But where sin increased, grace abounded even more. Paul takes no credit but gives all glory to the mercy of Christ in saving him.
Paul’s Example of Repentance
Paul’s complete turnaround from persecuting Christ to preaching Christ models radical repentance. His conversion shows that God’s grace can reach anyone. Paul never denied his past sins. To the contrary, acknowledging them fueled praise to God for the salvation he did not deserve.
Paul considered himself a trophy of God’s mercy, the worst of sinners transformed into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This brought immense thankfulness and motivated his missionary service.
Summary: Key Points
– Paul’s statement reflects humility and awe, not a claim to be the worst sinner in absolute terms. His former hatred and violence against Christ made him feel unworthy of God’s grace.
– As a respected Jewish leader, his conversion was all the more shocking, highlighting the power of God’s mercy.
– The more Paul understood his past sin, the more amazed he was at God’s forgiveness and calling. This shaped his identity in Christ.
– The contrast between law and gospel, sin and grace, is magnified in Paul’s life. Where sin increased, grace abounded.
– Though forgiven, Paul never forgot his past. He remained humble and grateful, keeping the emphasis on God’s work in him.
– Paul’s statement exalts Christ’s mercy, not his own sin. It models repentance and encourages hope for any sinner who turns to the cross.