Paul's Testimony of God's Mercy

12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, because he considered me to be faithful and appointed me to serve him, 13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man. But I received mercy because I had ignorantly acted in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord abounded to me greatly with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost sinner, [fn]Jesus Christ might show complete patience, making me an example for those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only [fn]wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I entrust to yoʋ, Timothy, my child, according to the prophecies once made about yoʋ, so that by them yoʋ may fight the good fight, 19 having faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme.