What does 'first' mean in 1 Timothy 1:16?
In 1 Timothy 1:16, 'first' means at the head of the line—the chief or most prestigious position. Paul, as the head of a line of sinners, was saved first, becoming the pattern for all who would later believe. It does not imply he was the worst sinner, but rather the first in order.
Les explains that in 1 Timothy 1:16, 'first' means at the head of the line. Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, was the chief, the most prestigious, the head of the line, and he was saved first. God saved him by grace, not because he was the worst or most vile, but as the head of a line of sinners who would be saved like he was. Les notes that this makes all the sense in the world, and that commentaries often skip such verses. The application is that even if we have not persecuted or put people to death, we were just as great a sinner in God's sight as Saul, and so were you. Every one of us were sinners, just as vile in God's sight, as Romans 1 and Corinthians picture. But the chief was saved first, and now we come down through the ages.
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.