Why did Paul say he obtained mercy in 1 Timothy 1:16?
Paul said he obtained mercy so that in him first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, or mercy, or grace, as a pattern. As the chief of sinners, the head of the line, his mercy demonstrated Christ's patience for others to follow.
Les teaches that Paul calls himself the chief of sinners, the head of the line, because the word 'chief' denotes leadership or preeminence, not something bad. Paul asks what cause: that Christ came to save the chief of sinners. For that cause Paul obtained mercy, so that in him first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, mercy, or grace as a pattern. Les illustrates a pattern as the outline of the original, used to cut the first piece, showing Paul was the first example of Christ's saving mercy.