How do we apply these principles?
- Excuse or Explanation? Paul never excuses his sin. While God does not judge us for what we don’t know (Luke 12:47, 48), that is not Paul’s point here, since that would make no sense of his claim to be the greatest of sinners. And, the “reason” (v. 13) for God’s mercy is the same as that in verse 16: Paul was shown mercy as a pattern to all who would ever believe in Jesus. His was ignorance IN UNBELIEF, and is blameworthy (Romans 1:18-20; 2 Peter 3:5, 16). But just as grace moved him from unbelief to faith, it does so for any sinner on the way to forgiveness. This is good news to all who want to be saved, regardless of our past. Matthew 11:28-30
- Humility or Hyperbole? Why would Paul be the chief of sinners? First, he was the chief opponent of Jesus and the church, even consenting to Steven’s execution (Acts 7:57–8:3; 9:1, 2). His own testimony reveals his hatred for Jesus and His people (Acts 26:9-11). Second, that hatred was rooted in the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, who believed that they kept the Law, and there-fore were right with God (Philippians 3:2-6). So Paul’s “ignorance” was not innocence, but like that of those who had rejected Jesus and to whom Peter appealed to repent (Acts 2:22, 23; 3:11-23).
- Now what? The Gospel confronts us with decisions. Have you accepted or rejected God’s offer of forgiveness in Jesus? Do you share Paul’s passion for God’s love and grace? Are you telling others about Him? Titus 3:3-7