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
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 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 adds that Jesus was sent to bless by turning people from wicked ways — the means of saving sinners.
In John 12:47, Jesus states he came not to judge but to save the world — directly echoing the saving purpose.
In John 3:17, Jesus came not to condemn but to save — the very same saving mission stated in 1 Timothy 1:15.
In John 3:16, God's love and giving His Son for salvation directly parallels Christ's purpose to save sinners.
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 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 states Christ appeared to take away sins — the purpose of his coming to save sinners.
1 John 3:8 adds that Christ appeared to destroy the devil's work — the cosmic dimension of saving sinners.
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 declares God sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins — the means and motive of salvation.
Luke 5:32 has Jesus say he came to call sinners to repentance—the same purpose for sinners.
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 testifies that eternal life is in God's Son—the very life Christ came to give sinners.
Titus 2:14 details Christ's self-giving to redeem and purify, fulfilling the saving purpose stated here.
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 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 explains Christ's propitiatory sacrifice, the mechanism of salvation briefly stated here.
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 shows Jesus came for the hour of his death, the means of saving sinners as stated here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Titus 3:8, Paul again uses the 'faithful saying' formula to urge good works — repeating the same introductory phrase.
1 John 1:9 specifies confession and cleansing as the response to Christ's saving mission, deepening the application for sinners.
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.
In John 3:36, belief in the Son brings life, unbelief brings wrath — the consequence of Christ's saving work.
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 shows God granting repentance to Gentiles—extending salvation to all sinners, not just Israel.
1 John 5:13 offers assurance of eternal life to those who believe in Christ, the Savior of v15.
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.