According to Paul, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—a faithful saying that expands the earlier kingdom purpose to Israel.
Paul states in 1 Timothy 1:15 that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Les Feldick explains that the Old Testament emphasis was on Christ coming to fulfill the Abrahamic covenant and to be Israel's King, and that Paul's statement adds to—not contradicts—that revelation.
1 Timothy 1:15 — Paul's direct words giving the purpose of Christ's coming—to save sinners.
Paul's clearest statement about Christ's purpose is 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 calls it a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance. Jesus also declared, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil" (Matthew 5:17). Both statements reveal a purposeful coming—one focused on salvation, the other on fulfilling the covenant promises.
Les Feldick reminds us that Paul's statement in 1 Timothy 1:15 is a faithful saying, but the Bible is progressive revelation. The Old Testament never says "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"; the whole Old Testament emphasis was that the coming Messiah would fulfill the Abrahamic covenant and be Israel's King. Paul's "save sinners" purpose is therefore an addition to, not a contradiction of, the earlier kingdom message. Les teaches that Jesus came to Israel as the King, ready to give them the kingdom, performing miracles as proof. But Israel for the most part rejected Him and crucified Him. When that happened, God turned to Saul of Tarsus and revealed the Gospel of Grace—a message with no law or legalism, primarily to the Gentiles. Paul's gospel was simple: Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead.
Les Feldick says no. The Bible is a progressive revelation, so Paul's statement that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners is not found in the Old Testament. Instead, the Old Testament emphasis is on Christ coming to fulfill the Abrahamic covenant and to be the King. Paul's purpose statement adds to the earlier revelation.
Les teaches that Jesus performed signs, wonders, and miracles to prove He was the promised Messiah, the King, ready to give Israel the kingdom and to be their Redeemer. This was the good news of the kingdom, for Jew only, with nothing in it for the Gentile at that time.
When Israel rejected the Gospel of the Kingdom and crucified the King, God turned to Saul of Tarsus. Through Paul He revealed the Gospel of Grace, which has no law or legalism and is primarily, though not exclusively, for the Gentiles. Paul's one gospel was that Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead.
Christ Came to Fulfill the Law and Prophets
Les shows that Jesus said He came not to destroy the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill all covenant promises, which frames Christ's coming as Israel's King.
Paul's Purpose Statement in Timothy
Paul called it a faithful saying that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and Les stresses the Bible's progressive revelation—this statement is not in the Old Testament but adds to the coming King theme.
From Kingdom Offer to Gospel of Grace
When Israel rejected and crucified the King, God turned to Paul with the Gospel of Grace, a message for primarily the Gentiles with no law or legalism.
Signs Proved Jesus Was King and Redeemer
The signs, wonders, and miracles proved Jesus was the promised Messiah and King prepared to give Israel the kingdom and to be their Redeemer.
Israel's Rejection and Paul's Proclamation
Saul preached Jesus is the Christ, but most of Israel rejected Him, so the majority cried 'Crucify Him'; only a small percentage believed.
Has God Cast Away Israel? Romans 11:1-2 Finally Explained
And I also think, and I've said it on the program, that when the Bride of Christ is introduced to Him in glory, I think the old Apostle Paul will be the one to do the introducing. He has been such a fantastic instrument that God has used to bring this glorious gospel, and the joy and the power of it. Alright, so now then coming down into verse 2.
Paul's One Gospel
Paul's ministry made Gentiles fellow heirs by the gospel, and he knew only one gospel: Christ died, was buried, and rose again.
Israel Should Have Known Their King
Israel was meant to be the light to the Gentiles, but they didn't know who Jesus was and rejected Him; Paul's letters make clear they should have known.
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's most direct answer to why Christ came—to save sinners.
Matthew 5:17: Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Jesus' own statement of His coming purpose, showing fulfillment rather than contradiction.
No. Les Feldick says the Bible is progressive revelation. Paul's statement is not found in the Old Testament, and it adds to the earlier king/kingdom emphasis rather than contradicting it.
Les teaches Jesus came to Israel to prove He was the promised Messiah and King, ready to give them the kingdom and to be their Redeemer. After Israel rejected Him, God revealed through Paul the Gospel of Grace for primarily the Gentiles.
It is the message revealed to Paul after Israel's rejection, which has no law or legalism and is primarily for the Gentiles. Paul's one gospel is that Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead.
Watch the Teaching: Why Jesus Came to Israel First — Luke 1 Explained