1 Timothy 1:15

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.

Cross-reference

1 Timothy 1:13 Historical context

In 1 Timothy 1:13, Paul recounts his past as a blasphemer and persecutor, which grounds his claim of being the chief of sinners in this verse.

1 Timothy 3:1 uses the same 'faithful saying' formula, marking another trustworthy statement in the pastoral epistles.

In 1 Timothy 4:9, this same 'faithful saying' formula appears again, introducing a different teaching — a stylistic parallel in Paul's letters.

In Revelation 5:9, Christ's redemptive work saves people from every tribe, expanding on the universal scope of salvation for sinners stated here.

In 1 Corinthians 15:9, Paul calls himself the least of apostles due to persecuting the church, reinforcing his role as chief sinner here.

Romans 5:8-10 expands that while we were sinners, Christ died for us, reconciling enemies to God.

Romans 5:6 Parallel

Romans 5:6 specifies that Christ died for the ungodly — the precise action of saving sinners.

Romans 3:24-26 explains how Christ saves sinners: through justification by grace and atonement for sins.

In Ephesians 3:8, Paul considers himself less than the least of all saints, aligning with his claim of being chief of sinners in this verse.

Acts 3:26 Parallel

Acts 3:26 adds that Jesus was sent to bless by turning people from wicked ways — the means of saving sinners.

John 12:47 Parallel

In John 12:47, Jesus states he came not to judge but to save the world — directly echoing the saving purpose.

John 3:17 Parallel

In John 3:17, Jesus came not to condemn but to save — the very same saving mission stated in 1 Timothy 1:15.

John 3:16 Parallel

In John 3:16, God's love and giving His Son for salvation directly parallels Christ's purpose to save sinners.

John 1:12 Parallel

In John 1:12, those who receive Christ become children of God — the outcome of His mission to save sinners stated here.

Luke 19:10 Parallel

Luke 19:10 says the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost—a direct parallel to saving sinners.

Hebrews 7:25 confirms Christ saves completely and intercedes forever — the ongoing effect of saving sinners.

1 John 3:5 Parallel

1 John 3:5 states Christ appeared to take away sins — the purpose of his coming to save sinners.

1 John 3:8 Parallel

1 John 3:8 adds that Christ appeared to destroy the devil's work — the cosmic dimension of saving sinners.

1 John 4:9 Parallel

1 John 4:9 says God sent his Son so we might live through him — the life-giving outcome of saving sinners.

1 John 4:10 Parallel

1 John 4:10 declares God sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins — the means and motive of salvation.

Luke 5:32 Parallel

Luke 5:32 has Jesus say he came to call sinners to repentance—the same purpose for sinners.

Mark 2:17 Parallel

Mark 2:17 has Jesus say he came to call sinners—matching the same mission statement.

Matthew 20:28 emphasizes giving his life as a ransom—how Christ saved sinners, not just his coming.

Matthew 18:11 says the Son of Man came to save the lost—a parallel summary of Christ's saving mission.

Matthew 9:13 records Jesus saying he came to call sinners—directly echoing the purpose stated here.

Matthew 1:21 declares Jesus will save his people from their sins—the exact mission Paul summarizes.

1 John 5:11 Parallel

1 John 5:11 testifies that eternal life is in God's Son—the very life Christ came to give sinners.

Titus 2:14 Parallel

Titus 2:14 details Christ's self-giving to redeem and purify, fulfilling the saving purpose stated here.

Ephesians 3:7 Related theme

Ephesians 3:7 describes Paul's ministry as a gift of grace, complementing his identity as chief sinner saved by grace here.

Psalm 66:16 Related theme

Psalm 66:16 invites others to hear what God has done for the psalmist's soul — Paul likewise testifies to Christ saving him, the worst sinner.

Romans 3:25 Parallel

Romans 3:25 explains Christ's propitiatory sacrifice, the mechanism of salvation briefly stated here.

Isaiah 55:7 Parallel

Isaiah 55:7 promises abundant pardon for the wicked who return — directly parallels Paul's message that Christ came to save sinners, with God's compassion on full display.

John 12:27 Parallel

John 12:27 shows Jesus came for the hour of his death, the means of saving sinners as stated here.

John 8:11 Parallel

In John 8:11, Jesus does not condemn the adulterous woman but tells her to sin no more — a clear instance of him saving a sinner.

Luke 7:41 Parallel

In Luke 7:41, the parable of the two debtors shows that one forgiven much loves much — Paul's claim to be chief sinner parallels the larger debtor.

Luke 9:56 Parallel

In Luke 9:56, Jesus states he came to save, not destroy — a direct parallel to the mission statement that Christ came to save sinners.

Luke 23:43 Parallel

In Luke 23:43, Jesus saves the thief on the cross — a concrete example of him saving a sinner, fulfilling the purpose he came for.

1 Corinthians 15:10 echoes Paul's dependence on grace despite his unworthiness, consistent with his 'chief of sinners' confession here.

Luke 18:13 Parallel

In Luke 18:13, the tax collector prays 'God be merciful to me a sinner' — mirroring Paul's humble confession of being the chief of sinners.

Titus 3:8 Parallel

In Titus 3:8, Paul again uses the 'faithful saying' formula to urge good works — repeating the same introductory phrase.

1 John 1:9 Related theme

1 John 1:9 specifies confession and cleansing as the response to Christ's saving mission, deepening the application for sinners.

Luke 15:1 Parallel

In Luke 15:1, publicans and sinners gather to hear Jesus, showing the sinners he came to save, as stated in 1 Timothy 1:15.

In 2 Timothy 2:11, the identical 'faithful saying' formula introduces a statement about dying with Christ. Same phrase, different content.

John 3:36 Parallel

In John 3:36, belief in the Son brings life, unbelief brings wrath — the consequence of Christ's saving work.

Luke 7:37 Parallel

In Luke 7:37, the sinful woman anointing Jesus exemplifies a sinner coming to him, illustrating the kind of people Christ came to save.

Acts 11:18 Parallel

Acts 11:18 shows God granting repentance to Gentiles—extending salvation to all sinners, not just Israel.

1 John 5:13 Related theme

1 John 5:13 offers assurance of eternal life to those who believe in Christ, the Savior of v15.

Job 40:4 Parallel

Job 40:4 shows Job humbling himself as 'small account' — mirrors Paul's confession of being the foremost sinner, both acknowledging personal unworthiness before God.