Paul’s Experience on the Damascus Road
October 15, 2022
Commentary
Paul tells how grateful he is that God had confidence in him when he had been so opposed to God’s Son (vv. 12-14). He had cursed Jesus, called Him a fake, and went after his followers. He had not deliberately acted against what he knew was right but had blindly and mistakenly thought he was doing God a service. Even with all this in Paul’s life God knew that he would be faithful. He desires each one of His children to be faithful (See I Corinthians 4:2). The memory of his sin was the surest way for Paul to keep his gratitude aflame. To remember what we have been forgiven is a sure way to keep our life on fire for the Lord.
Paul referred to himself as the “chief” of sinners (v. 15). We think of Paul as a great hero of the faith, but Paul never saw himself that way, because he remembered his life before he met Christ. The more he understood God’s grace, the more he was aware of his own sinfulness. Humility and gratitude should mark the life of every Christian. Paul says that even though he was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on Him and let Him be an example of Christ’s patience (v. 16). We too should never forget that we are sinners saved by grace. That was so wonderful to Paul that he could not contain himself at this point, and he broke into praise (v. 17). Paul’s heart was moved to remember how gracious the Lord Jesus had been to him, how many times he had forgiven and restored him, and how he had constantly, patiently set himself against all the natural temperament of this proud, arrogant young Pharisee.
The phrase that, perhaps, best summarizes this entire letter is “Wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience” (vv. 18-19). The fundamental nature of Christianity is that it is a warfare in which we are all involved. The moment you began your Christian life, by faith in Jesus, you entered a lifelong battle. And this struggle is not intended to be easy. Paul turned Hymenaeus and Alexander over to the power of Satan, so they will learn not to oppose God (v. 20).
Application
Paul was so moved by God’s love that he was able to show his gratitude by praising God continually. I pray that a similar thing will be what is evident in my life.
1 Timothy 1:12– 20 (NET)
12 I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and our Lord’s grace was abundant, bringing faith and love in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them! 16 But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.
18 I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight. 19 To do this you must hold firmly to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck in regard to the faith. 20 Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.