Who follows after Paul as the pattern in 1 Timothy 1:16?
All other sinners saved by that kind of grace, especially Gentiles, follow after Paul as the pattern. Paul is the first, the chief of sinners saved by grace, the head of the line, and those who believe hereafter follow him into the Body of Christ.
Les teaches that the pattern must come first, just as you do not cut a pile of cloth or lumber and then decide to draw up a pattern—the pattern precedes what follows. Paul is the chief of sinners, the sinner saved by grace, the head of the line, number one. All other sinners saved by that kind of grace, especially Gentiles, will be following after him. The word "hereafter" shows this is not retroactive; it does not reach back to Pentecost, but from Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus onward, God begins calling people into the Body of Christ. That Body is strictly a Pauline revelation—not found in the four Gospels, Acts, or the Old Testament.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
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.
Why do commentators skip over verses like 1 Timothy 1:16?
Commentators often skip verses like 1 Timothy 1:16 because they do not want to stick their necks out and face disagreement from traditionalists. Rather than risk controversy by teaching what Scripture actually appears to say, they ignore such verses as though they were not there.
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.
More Questions
Why does Paul call himself the pattern in 1 Timothy 1:16?
Paul is the "pattern," and a pattern by nature comes first and is then followed — just as you don't cut a pile of cloth or lumber and then draw up the pattern afterward.
What does "hereafter" mean in 1 Timothy 1:16?
The word "hereafter" in 1 Timothy 1:16 shows the pattern is not retroactive — Paul does not say back to Pentecost, but from his conversion on the road to Damascus onward God would begin calling people into the Body of Christ.
Why does the Bible call Paul a pattern rather than just an example?
A pattern must come first, before the things made from it — just as with cutting cloth or lumber you don't make a bunch of pieces and then decide to draw up a pattern, since the pattern precedes and is then followed.