King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 1:15 Mean?

1 Timothy 1:15 in the King James Version says “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

1 Timothy 1:15 · KJV

Salvation

Context

13

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

17

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Paul introduces the first of five "faithful sayings" in the Pastoral Epistles with solemn affirmation: this truth is absolutely reliable (pistos ho logos, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος) and "worthy of all acceptation" (pasēs apodochēs axios, πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος)—deserving complete, unreserved acceptance. This formula marks central gospel truths requiring unqualified embrace.

The content is breathtaking in its simplicity and profundity: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." The verb "came" (ēlthen, ἦλθεν) indicates purposeful mission—Christ's incarnation wasn't accidental but intentional. "Into the world" emphasizes He entered human history from outside it; as pre-existent Son of God, He voluntarily took human nature. His purpose was singular: "to save" (hamartōlous sōsai, ἁμαρτωλοὺς σῶσαι)—rescue from sin's guilt, power, and penalty.

Paul's personal application is stunning: "of whom I am chief" (hōn prōtos eimi egō, ὧν πρῶτός εἰμι ἐγώ). The present tense "I am" (not "I was") indicates ongoing self-understanding—Paul always sees himself as the foremost sinner. This isn't false humility but accurate assessment: as Christianity's fiercest persecutor, he committed sins of unique magnitude. Yet this very fact magnifies grace—if Christ saved the chief sinner, He can save anyone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase "faithful saying" appears five times in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8), each introducing crucial doctrinal or practical truth. These may have been early Christian confessions or catechetical statements used in teaching and worship. Their formulaic introduction suggests they were widely known and universally accepted in the early church.

Paul's claim to be the foremost sinner wasn't hyperbole to his original audience. Christians in Ephesus and throughout the ancient world knew Paul's history as Saul the persecutor. His complicity in Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 7:58; 8:1) and his systematic campaign against the church (Acts 9:1-2; Galatians 1:13) were matters of record. That such a man became Christianity's greatest missionary powerfully demonstrated grace's reality.

The simplicity of this "faithful saying" stands in deliberate contrast to the complex speculations of false teachers. While they promoted intricate genealogies and novel interpretations, Paul proclaimed the straightforward gospel: Christ came to save sinners. This simplicity doesn't mean shallow theology but clear focus on the central truth from which all Christian doctrine flows—Christ's saving work for undeserving sinners.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does maintaining focus on this simple gospel truth protect you from theological confusion or spiritual drift?
  2. In what ways does growing in grace increase rather than decrease your awareness of personal sinfulness?
  3. How can you more effectively communicate to unbelievers that Christ came specifically to save sinners like them?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
πιστὸς1 of 20

“This is a faithful”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ὁ2 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγος3 of 20

“saying”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ4 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πάσης5 of 20

“of all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀποδοχῆς6 of 20

“acceptation”

G594

acceptance

ἄξιος7 of 20

“worthy”

G514

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

ὅτι8 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Χριστὸς9 of 20

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦς10 of 20

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἦλθεν11 of 20

“came”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς12 of 20

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν13 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμον14 of 20

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἁμαρτωλοὺς15 of 20

“sinners”

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner

σῶσαι16 of 20

“to save”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

ὧν17 of 20

“of whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

πρῶτός18 of 20

“chief”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

εἰμι19 of 20

“am”

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

ἐγώ20 of 20

“I”

G1473

i, me

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 1:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 2:17Luke 19:10John 3:16-17John 12:47Luke 5:32John 1:12

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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