1 Timothy 1:7–17

7 They want to be teachersp of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.q

8 We know that the law is goodr if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteouss but for lawbreakers and rebels,t the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrineu 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.v

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,w that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.x 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutory and a violent man, I was shown mercyz because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.a 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,b along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.c

15 Here is a trustworthy sayingd that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnerse—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercyf so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patienceg as an example for those who would believeh in him and receive eternal life.i 17 Now to the Kingj eternal, immortal,k invisible,l the only God,m be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.n