Grace From the King of the Ages (1 Tim. 1:16-17)

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Verses 16-17 are set side-by-side as contrasts, yet they belong together in Paul’s mind.

  1. Paul as a pattern of grace.
    • 1:16. Paul is the first and worst of sinners (1:15), yet he is an example, an exhibit, a pattern, a prototype of all conversions. Some of this is unique or nearly unique.
      1. he was fanatically and murderously anti-Christian – Acts 9:1-2;
      2. he was overpowered by a blinding light – Acts 9:3;
      3. he heard Jesus and saw Him – Acts 9:4-6; 1 Cor.15:8;
      4. he was blinded for three days – Acts 9:7-9.

      The pattern for us is more like:

      1. we start out as unbelieving and hostile sinners – Col.1:21;
      2. we need to believe in Jesus as the risen Lord – Acts 9:5-6;
      3. if we are not baptized, we should be – Acts 9:17-18;
      4. we take up a life of service – Acts 9:15-16.

    It is a pattern all through Scripture – Manasseh (2 Chron.33); Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4); Zacchaeus (Luke 19), the thief on the cross (Luke 23). From kings to thieves, the pattern of grace is the same.

  2. A doxology to the King of the ages who shows such grace.
    • 1:17 (cf. 1 Tim.6:16; Rom.1:25; 9:5; 11:36; Gal.1:4-5; Eph.3:21; Phil.4:20). Paul praises God as:
      1. the King. God is called ‘the great King’ – Matt.5:35; 1 Tim.6:15; Rev.19:16;
      2. eternal (‘the King of the ages’);
      3. immortal. See Isa.40:6-8.
      4. invisible. Christ, the visible image of the invisible God – John 1:18;
      5. exclusive.
  3. Sinners in the hands of a majestic God.

    Joseph Hart:

    Let not conscience make you linger,
    Nor of fitness fondly dream; ….
    If you tarry till you’re better,
    You will never come at all:
    Not the righteous, Not the righteous –
    Sinners Jesus came to call.