1Ti 1:12-17 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Tim 1:12-17: 1:12-17 This expression of gratitude is a parenthesis from Paul’s charge to Timothy (1:3-11 , 18-20 ). Triggered by the mention of Paul’s role (1:11 ), it gives perspective on the source of Paul’s thankfulness and provides a model for its readers. When talking about his own work, Paul directs glory to God and makes it plain that he is doing God’s work (see also 2 Cor 1:21-22 ; 2:14-17 ; 3:4-6 ; 4:7 ; 12:9-10 ).

Summary for 1Tim 1:12-17: 1:12-17 ^a This expression of gratitude is a parenthesis from Paul’s charge to Timothy (1:3-11 ^b, 18-20 ^c). Triggered by the mention of Paul’s role (1:11 ^d), it gives perspective on the source of Paul’s thankfulness and provides a model for its readers. When talking about his own work, Paul directs glory to God and makes it plain that he is doing God’s work (see also 2 Cor 1:21-22 ^e; 2:14-17 ^f; 3:4-6 ^g; 4:7 ^h; 12:9-10 ⁱ).
1:15 ^j This is a trustworthy saying: This expression occurs only in the letters to Timothy and Titus (1 Tim 3:1 ^k; 4:8-9 ^l; 2 Tim 2:11-13 ^m; Titus 3:4-8 ⁿ). These sayings are probably quotations from tradition that Paul has adapted to the current situation; here, in addition to the way the saying underscores the mercy shown to Paul, it probably corrects the false teachers. The emphasis of this saying falls on Christ’s entrance into history for the salvation of sinners, which was probably being marginalized by the false teachers, who emphasized law (1 Tim 1:7 ^o), special knowledge (6:20 ^p; cp. Titus 1:16 ^q), and stipulations such as those in 1 Tim 4:3 ^r (cp. Col 2:16-23 ^s).