Paul's Wisdom
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The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-- of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15
Paul is a towering figure in Christian history, and I have found that people either love him or hate him. If they hate him, they find him to be arrogant, overconfident and judgmental. If they love him, they find him to be humble, honest and deeply wise. It’s amazing how differently people view Paul - but then again - there are public figures in our own time that people see completely different things in, which happens with people who have very strong personalities. And Paul certainly had one.
In this verse, Paul is telling Timothy how Christ’s mercy saved him from his own ignorance and sinful behavior, and how if Jesus could transform him, he can transform anyone. But in typical Paul style, as he admits he was one of the worst sinners going, he almost seems like he’s bragging that he was the most sinful of all sinners.
First impressions of Paul are always strong because he is so bold in his statements. I really didn’t like Paul for a long time. It takes a careful reading of his words, an exploration of his context, taking time to chew on and sometimes wrestle with what he says until you finally can digest his letters and appreciate the meal he serves up. Over the years I’ve come to love Paul and the depth of his faith and witness, despite his very human quirks!
However you feel about Paul, the story of his life completely turning around after his experience on the road to Damascus shows us that Christ can indeed work through anyone, and Paul’s prominent place in the Christian scripture and tradition show that many faithful people through time have come to value the core wisdom of Paul’s teaching.
I hope you’ll join us this Sunday when we’ll be reading this passage from Paul, and as we begin worshipping inside once again for the fall. May our time together be like a joyful re-connection with our siblings in Christ.
