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No, Paul did not say he was the chief of sinners in the present tense. We know this by actually looking at the context.
For Paul says,
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." (1 Timothy 1:12-15).
For Paul says,
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." (1 Timothy 1:12-15).
1:15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. This expression calls attention to an important point. In the New Testament it is found only in the Pastoral Letters (3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11; Titus 3:8).
I am the foremost. Lit. “I am the first.” This is not a characterization of himself prior to his conversion. Rather, as Paul has grown in Christ he has become increasingly aware of his own sinfulness.
Matthew Henry's Commentary disagrees:
In the close of 1 Tim. 1:15 Paul applies it to himself: Of whom I am chief. Paul was a sinner of the first rank; so he acknowledges himself to have been, for he breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, etc., Acts 9:1, 2. Persecutors are some of the worst of sinners: such a one Paul had been. Or, of whom I am chief, that is, of pardoned sinners I am chief. It is an expression of his great humility; he that elsewhere calls himself the least of all saints (Eph. 3:8) here calls himself the chief of sinners. Observe, [1.] Christ Jesus has come into the world; the prophecies concerning his coming are now fulfilled. [2.] He came to save sinners; he came to save those who could not save and help themselves. [3.] Blasphemers and persecutors are the chief of sinners, so Paul reckoned them. [4.] The chief of sinners may become the chief of saints; so this apostle was, for he was not a whit behind the very chief apostles (2 Cor. 11:5), for Christ came to save the chief of sinners. [5.] This is a very great truth, it is a faithful saying; these are true and faithful words, which may be depended on. [6.] It deserves to be received, to be believed by us all, for our comfort and encouragement.
The Asbury Bible Commentary disagrees:
Why are they given to the church? Their purpose is to prepare God's people for works of service. To what end? These offices are of first importance because those who have these gifts/offices direct others to perform their respective ministries for the common good. As persons perform better their particular ministries, the entire body is strengthened. The body builder knows that each muscle must be strengthened if the whole body is to be developed properly. Some persons in the community fill the vital role of assisting others to exercise their gifts that the whole body of Christ might be built up.
I. Remember The Command (1:1-20)
In this opening chapter, Paul reminds Timothy of his important role in managing God's household (vv. 3-4), defines the goal of God's command (v. 5), explains the role of the Law (vv. 8-11), testifies to the Lord's grace in saving the worst of sinners (vv. 12-17), and challenges Timothy to fight the good fight (v. 18).
D. Salvation of Paul (1:12-17)
Faith is central to salvation (v. 12). Describing himself (v. 13), Paul asserts that his actions were a result of ignorance and unbelief, and he was shown mercy. This seems to suggest that willful disobedience will not receive God's mercy. Paul asserts that his own life is a pattern of God's patient mercy for those who would believe in Christ and receive eternal life. Christ considered him faithful; strengthened him; appointed him to service; showed mercy to him (vv. 13, 16); poured out grace, faith, and love on him; saved him; and displayed unlimited patience toward him. Reflecting on this, Paul breaks out in a doxology to the eternal, sovereign God.
But, "beware the scribes", you say...
You see how frustrating it is to many of us, when you accuse us of ignoring context or not using scripture as our reference? We present opposing views, we present the scripture used to support our views, you tell us we're mistaken, misunderstood, in darkness, evil, etc. The way arguments work is that you present evidence for a case and consider the evidence. Stating: "Your interpretation is wrong, here's my (the correct) interpretation" does not work -- Instead, perhaps consider verbiage such as "I disagree with your interpretation, and here's why..."
Yes, we believe our understanding of the scriptures. Yes, we believe what those before us have passed down and taught us. So, when someone blatantly tells us that we're wrong, tells us what the "correct" context is (as if there is only ONE proper context for each idea), and makes further personal accusations based on assumptions -- yes, you're likely going to meet resistance.
I am sorry if calling you a "troll" offends you. Do you know what is meant by "troll"? Internet Trolls offend people and create discord. Which is what myself and others believe you are doing here. We believe this because time and time again, you present your view as if your view is the unchallengeable Holy Word of God. Repeatedly, you disregard, misunderstand, or read-into the words of fellow CC members.
When two parties believe (without a doubt) that they are correct, what we have seen here is a result.
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