1 Timothy 1:13-16

Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners

¹³ though formerly I was a blasphemer, _z persecutor, and insolent opponent. But _a I received mercy _b because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, ¹⁴ and _c the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the _d faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ The saying is _e trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus _f came into the world to save sinners, _g of whom I am the foremost. ¹⁶ But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

1. Cross References
   Acts 8:3
   But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
   
2. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 7:25
   Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
   2 Corinthians 4:1
   Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.
   
3. Cross References
   Acts 3:17
   And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
   
4. Cross References
   Romans 5:20
   Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.
   
5. Cross References
   Luke 7:47
   Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven - for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.
   Luke 7:50
   And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace.
   1 Thessalonians 1:3
   Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
   
6. Cross References
   1 Timothy 3:1
   The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
   1 Timothy 4:9
   The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.
   2 Timothy 2:11
   The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him.
   Titus 3:8
   The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
   Revelation 22:6
   And he said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.
   
7. Cross References
   Matthew 9:13
   Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
   John 3:17
   For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
   Romans 4:25
   Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
   
8. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 15:9
   For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.