even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; (1 Timothy 1:13)
God chose to use Paul for the furtherance of the gospel despite Paul’s past.
Now, we need to read this passage carefully lest we read Paul’s explanation of his position as an excuse for his behavior. Paul, in his sinful nature, in his rebellious traditions, in his intellectual superiority, had been blinded to the truth that Christ was the Messiah.
He mocked Christ and his followers. He maliciously hounded Christians.
But God in His sovereign will, chose to show mercy towards Paul.
Notes: 1 Timothy 1:13
God chose to use Paul for the furtherance of the gospel despite Paul’s past.
Now, we need to read this passage carefully lest we read Paul’s explanation of his position as an excuse for his behavior. Paul, in his sinful nature, in his rebellious traditions, in his intellectual superiority, had been blinded to the truth that Christ was the Messiah.
He mocked Christ and his followers. He maliciously hounded Christians.
But God in His sovereign will, chose to show mercy towards Paul.