Yes, Paul is the 'chief of sinners' as the leader or head of the line of sinners saved by grace, not the worst or most vile sinner.
Les Feldick explains that the Greek word for 'chief' denotes a place of leadership, like the chief man of an island, not something evil. Paul stood first in the line of sinners saved by grace, showing that God can save even the most prominent rebel, and that all believers follow as recipients of that same grace.
1 Timothy 1:15 — This is the verse where Paul directly calls himself the 'chief of sinners' and is the foundation of the question.
In 1 Timothy 1:15, 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.' Here Paul calls himself the chief of sinners. In Acts 28:7, the word 'chief' is used to describe Publius as the 'chief man' of the island, indicating a leader or head position, not a wicked or bad man. Similarly, in Romans 3:1, Paul uses the same root word to describe the Jews' 'advantage,' asking 'What advantage then hath the Jew?' This shows the word signifies preeminence or a leading position.
Les Feldick teaches that Paul's phrase 'chief of sinners' means he is the 'head of the line' or the 'leader of sinners,' not the worst or most wicked. He explains that the Greek word for 'chief' always indicates a place of leadership or preeminence, such as a governor or chief speaker, never something evil. Paul was the first to be saved by this kind of grace, despite his past as a rebel who persecuted Christians. His position highlights that God's grace can save anyone, and he stands as a pattern for all who come after. Les emphasizes that even those who are not as outwardly sinful are just as vile in God's sight, but where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.
Les Feldick explains that the Greek word translated 'chief' is used elsewhere in the New Testament to denote a leader or head of the line, such as the 'chief man of the island' (Publius) or the 'chief speaker' (Paul). It carries the idea of being first, foremost, or preeminent—not something evil. Thus, 'chief of sinners' means Paul is the head of the line of sinners saved by grace.
Paul saw himself as the leader of sinners because he had been a rebel, trying to stamp out the name of Jesus. Yet God saved him by grace, making him the first in a line of believers who would be saved in the same way. This shows that God can save anyone, no matter how sinful, and that Paul's salvation is a pattern for others.
No, Les clarifies that Paul was not necessarily the worst or most vile sinner. The word 'chief' indicates a place of leadership, not evil. Even those who have not persecuted others are still sinners in God's sight. Paul's statement highlights that he stands at the head of a line of sinners who can be saved by grace.
Meaning of 'Chief'
Les shows that the word 'chief' in Acts 28:7 refers to Publius as the 'chief man' of the island, a leader, not a wicked man, illustrating that 'chief of sinners' means head of the line.
Leader of Sinners
Les teaches that God saved the 'chief of sinners' meaning the leader, not necessarily the worst, and that all believers follow as a pattern.
Head of the Line
Les explains that the Greek word for 'chief' denotes a place of leadership, like the 'chief speaker,' so Paul is the head of the line of sinners saved.
Grace to Saul
Les recounts that Saul was the epitome of a sinner saved by grace, being knocked off his horse and saved while on his way to persecute.
What Does "Justified by Faith" Really Mean? Romans 5
And so this is where we have to come from with people is to show them that they're unrighteous, they're ungodly, not because of what they're doing, not because of their lifestyle, but because God has decreed every child of Adam as being a sinner. Now we can have good sinners, we can have wet sinners, we can have dry sinners.
Grace for Any Sinner
Les emphasizes that no matter how vile the sinner, God's grace is greater and can save anyone, making them a trophy of grace.
Why Paul Said "We Are Not Ignorant of Satan's Devices" — 2 Corinthians 2:11
Now Paul had absolutely no power of forgiving sin, we know that. No one does, but Christ Himself. But in the name of Christ, He could agree with them, that when they had restored this individual and forgiven him, He could concur. Now verse 11.
Grace Abounds
Les reminds that where sin abounded, grace did much more abound, and God can reach down to the vilest sinner and make him a saint.
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.
This is the verse where Paul explicitly calls himself the 'chief of sinners' and is the basis for the question.
Acts 28:7: In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
Shows the word 'chief' used to denote a leader or head man, not a wicked person, illustrating its meaning.
Romans 3:1: What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
Uses the same root word for 'advantage' to show preeminence or first place.
Romans 5:20: Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Shows that God's grace is greater than any sin, supporting the idea that Paul's salvation is possible for others.
No, Les Feldick explains that 'chief' means 'head of the line' or 'leader,' not the worst. Paul was not necessarily more wicked than others, but he was first in the line of sinners saved by grace.
The Greek word for 'chief' is used elsewhere to describe a leader, like a governor or chief speaker. It denotes a place of preeminence, not evil. So Paul means he is the foremost sinner saved by grace.
Paul was saved on the road to Damascus when God knocked him off his horse and spoke to him. He was saved by grace alone, without any works on his part, becoming a pattern for others.
Watch the Teaching: Why Paul Called Himself the "Chief of Sinners" — 1 Timothy 1:15 Explained