Why did Paul say he obtained mercy?
Paul said he obtained mercy so that in him first, Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering as a pattern. Since Christ came to save sinners and Paul was the chief, the head of the line, his mercy became the prototype showing God's grace to others.
Les explains that Paul calls himself the chief of sinners, meaning the head of the line, not something bad but a place of leadership. In the next verse, Paul says 'for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, or mercy, or grace for a pattern.' Les illustrates that a pattern is the outline of the original, used to cut out the first piece of material. Paul's salvation serves as the first example, the pattern, demonstrating Christ's longsuffering and mercy.
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
More Questions
What does Paul mean by 'for a pattern' when he talks about mercy shown to him first?
A 'pattern' in this verse is the outline of the original and the first piece, like a dressmaker using a pattern to cut out the first of several dresses.