Paul being a pattern means he is the first example, the head of the line, of sinners saved by grace, and all subsequent believers follow his pattern.
Scripture says Paul obtained mercy that in him first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting (1 Timothy 1:16). Les Feldick explains that Paul was not necessarily the worst sinner but the leader or head of a line of sinners who would be saved by grace in the same way. This pattern applies to everyone, including believers today, who are saved by grace without works.
1 Timothy 1:16 — This verse explicitly states Paul is a pattern for those who would hereafter believe.
In 1 Timothy 1:15-16, the apostle Paul writes: "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." The word 'chief' comes from the Greek word 'protos', meaning first or leader. The verse clearly states that Paul was first ('in me first') and that his experience serves as a pattern for those who would believe afterwards. The Bible does not say Paul was the worst sinner ever, but that he was first in a line of sinners saved by grace. Furthermore, the phrase 'hereafter' indicates that this pattern begins from Paul's conversion onward, not retroactively. This is consistent with Paul's unique calling as the apostle to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:15-16).
Les Feldick teaches that Paul's description as the 'chief of sinners' does not mean he was the most wicked person, but rather the 'head of the line'—the first in a series of sinners saved by grace. He emphasizes that Paul's salvation on the road to Damascus was a demonstration of God's grace and longsuffering, and that he is the pattern for all who would believe on Christ, especially Gentiles. This pattern is not retroactive; it begins with Paul and continues to the present. Les also highlights that the Body of Christ, the church, is a Pauline revelation, and that believers today are saved in the same way Paul was—by grace through faith, without works.
Les Feldick clarifies that the word 'chief' (protos) means first or leader, not necessarily the worst. Paul was the head of a line of sinners saved by grace. Even those who have never persecuted others were as great sinners in God's sight as Saul of Tarsus.
Paul says 'in me first' (1 Timothy 1:16). This means he is the first example of God's grace and longsuffering. Just as a tailor uses a pattern to cut out the first piece of cloth, Paul is the pattern for all who would later believe.
The word 'hereafter' indicates that Paul's pattern applies from his conversion onward, not retroactively. It is not something that applies to Pentecost or earlier, but from Paul on, all who believe on Jesus to life everlasting follow his pattern.
Paul is the first member of the Body of Christ, and all who come into the Body are patterned after him. His salvation is the prototype for the church, the Body of Christ, which is a distinct entity from Israel.
Paul the Chief of Sinners
Les explains that Paul was not the worst sinner but the leader of the line of sinners saved by grace. Everyone is equally vile in God's sight.
Paul's Pattern for the Body
Les teaches that Paul is the pattern for all who enter the Body of Christ, which is a separate dispensation.
Pattern like a Tailor's Pattern
Les uses the analogy of a tailor's pattern to explain that Paul is the original example for all who believe.
Saved by Grace without Works
Les shows that Paul was saved by grace without any effort on his part, as are we.
Hereafter Means from Paul On
Les stresses that 'hereafter' means from Paul's conversion onward, not retroactive.
Paul's Calling by Grace
Les notes that Paul was called by grace and sent to the Gentiles, which is part of his pattern.
Pattern of Faith, Not Works
Les contrasts Paul's teaching of belief with Peter's repentance and baptism, showing Paul's pattern is faith alone.
Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles
Les emphasizes that Paul is THE apostle to the Gentiles, and we look to him for doctrine.
1 Timothy 1:16: 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.
This is the key verse that a pattern is set for those who believe in the future.
1 Timothy 1:15: 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.
Paul declares himself the chief of sinners, which Les explains as first in line.
Galatians 1:15-16: But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Paul's calling by grace to preach to Gentiles shows his unique role and pattern.
No. According to Les Feldick, 'chief' means 'first' or 'leader.' Paul is the head of a line of sinners saved by grace, not necessarily the most wicked. The emphasis is on his being first in the order of salvation by grace.
Paul is the first example of a sinner saved by pure grace, without any works. Believers today are saved in the same way—by grace through faith, not by works of the law. This pattern applies to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word 'hereafter' means that Paul's pattern begins at his conversion and continues forward, not retroactively. It indicates that the dispensation of grace starts with Paul and applies to all who believe after him.
Watch the Teaching: Why Paul Called Himself the "Chief of Sinners" — 1 Timothy 1:15 Explained