Note 9 at 1 Tim. 1:15: Apparently, such phrases as, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation" were expressions used in the churches to introduce important truths of doctrine. Paul uses such phrases in 1 Timothy 3:1; 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11 and Titus 3:8.

This faithful saying," Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners," expressed Jesus' mission as revealed in Matthew 9:13 "...for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," and Luke 19:10, " For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

Jesus wasn't just making a statement that He cared. He miraculously paid the price sin demanded for all who believe on Him. He took one of the worst persecutors of His church and made him an example of how far He was able and willing to go to save this lost and dying world.

Note 10 at 1 Tim. 1:15: Many people would debate if Paul was really the worst sinner of his day. Remember Herod the Great who slaughtered all the innocent infants in Bethlehem and the surrounding vicinity in an effort to kill the promised Messiah? What about Pilate who condemned Jesus, or Judas that betrayed Jesus?

The truth is that sin is sin. James 2:10 says, "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." Therefore, it is really a mute point to debate degrees of sin. Who wants the prize of being the best sinner?

The real issue isn't how much or how bad our sins are, but how bad do we perceive them to be. The closer we get to the Holy presence of the Lord, the more we see our own relative unworthiness. Therefore, whether or not Paul was the worst sinner of his day in action is unimportant. He perceived himself to be the worst sinner, not necessarily because his actions were worse than everyone else's, but because he had seen the glory of the Lord clearer than most.

No one who has been to the throne room of God will brag about his goodness.