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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 1:13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/1-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/54_1Ti_01_13.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 1:13 - God's Grace to Paul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_timothy/1-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_timothy/1-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/">1 Timothy</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm" title="1 Timothy 1:12">◄</a> 1 Timothy 1:13 <a href="/1_timothy/1-14.htm" title="1 Timothy 1:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_timothy/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/1.htm">New International Version</a> Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> being formerly a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolent; but I was shown mercy, because I did it in unbelief, being ignorant. <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/1.htm">New King James Version</a> although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> even though I was previously a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. And yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; <a href="/amp/1_timothy/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> even though I was formerly a blasphemer [of our Lord] and a persecutor [of His church] and a shameful and outrageous and violent aggressor [toward believers]. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief. <a href="/csb/1_timothy/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief. <a href="/asv/1_timothy/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; <a href="/cev/1_timothy/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I used to say terrible and insulting things about him, and I was cruel. But Christ had mercy on me because I didn't know what I was doing, and I had not yet put my faith in him. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In the past I cursed him, persecuted him, and acted arrogantly toward him. However, I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in my unbelief. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> even though in the past I spoke evil of him and persecuted and insulted him. But God was merciful to me because I did not yet have faith and so did not know what I was doing. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> In the past I was a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man. But I received mercy because I acted ignorantly in my unbelief, <a href="/msb/1_timothy/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. <a href="/net/1_timothy/1.htm">NET Bible</a> even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I was treated with mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief, <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief: <a href="/wey/1_timothy/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> though I was previously a blasphemer and a persecutor and had been insolent in outrage. Yet mercy was shown me, because I had acted ignorantly, not having as yet believed; <a href="/web/1_timothy/1.htm">World English Bible</a> although I used to be a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> who before was speaking slander, and persecuting, and insulting, but I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did [it] in unbelief, <a href="/blb/1_timothy/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> being formerly a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolent; but I was shown mercy, because I did it in unbelief, being ignorant. <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> who before was speaking evil, and persecuting, and insulting, but I found kindness, because, being ignorant, I did it in unbelief, <a href="/slt/1_timothy/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Being before slandering, expelling, and an abuser: but I was commiserated, because I did, not knowing, in unbelief.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Who before was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and contumelious. But I obtained the mercy of God, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> though previously I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and contemptuous. But then I obtained the mercy of God. For I had been acting ignorantly, in unbelief. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/1.htm">New American Bible</a> I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and an arrogant man, but I have been mercifully treated because I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief. <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor and a reviler; but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Me, I who from the first was a blasphemer and a persecutor and abusive, but I obtained mercy, because I did not know what I was doing, without faith.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> me, I say, who before was a reviler and a persecutor and an overbearing man. But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief: <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> being antecedently a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an insulter: but I obtained mercy, because I did it in unbelief being ignorant; <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and insolently violent, But I was admitted to mercy, for I did it ignorantly in unbelief; <a href="/mace/1_timothy/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> who was before a blasphemer, and a violent persecutor; but I obtained mercy, because I acted thro' ignorance in incrudelity. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> though I was previously a blasphemer and a persecutor and had been insolent in outrage. Yet mercy was shown me, because I had acted ignorantly, not having as yet believed; <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> though formerly I was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious; but I obtained mercy, because I, being ignorant, did it in unbelief; <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> who before was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an oppressor. But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief: and the grace of our Lord superabounded, <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=112" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/1.htm">God's Grace to Paul</a> 12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. 13<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: onta (V-PPA-AMS) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">I was</a> <a href="/greek/4386.htm" title="4386: proteron (Adv-C) -- Formerly, before. Neuter of proteros as adverb; previously.">formerly</a> <a href="/greek/989.htm" title="989: blasphēmon (Adj-AMS) -- Slanderous; subst: a blasphemer. From a derivative of blapto and pheme; scurrilious, i.e. Calumnious, or impious.">a blasphemer,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1376.htm" title="1376: diōktēn (N-AMS) -- A persecutor. From dioko; a persecutor.">a persecutor,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5197.htm" title="5197: hybristēn (N-AMS) -- An insolent, insulting, or violent man. From hubrizo; an insulter, i.e. Maltreater.">a violent man;</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">yet</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">because</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: epoiēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">I had acted</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/50.htm" title="50: agnoōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance. ">ignorance</a> <a href="/greek/570.htm" title="570: apistia (N-DFS) -- Unbelief, unfaithfulness, distrust. From apistos; faithlessness, i.e. disbelief, or unfaithfulness.">and unbelief,</a> <a href="/greek/1653.htm" title="1653: ēleēthēn (V-AIP-1S) -- To pity, have mercy on. From eleos; to compassionate.">I was shown mercy.</a> 14And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Acts 9:1-6</a> Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. / As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ... <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Acts 22:4-8</a> I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, / as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished. / About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. ... <a href="/acts/26-9.htm">Acts 26:9-15</a> So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. / And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. / I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. ... <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a> For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13-14</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. / I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. <a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6</a> as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15-16</a> This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. / But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-11.htm">1 Corinthians 6:11</a> And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. <a href="/ephesians/2-3.htm">Ephesians 2:3-5</a> All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. / But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, / made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved! <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Titus 3:3-5</a> For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. / But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, / He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Romans 5:8</a> But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. <a href="/romans/11-30.htm">Romans 11:30-32</a> Just as you who formerly disobeyed God have now received mercy through their disobedience, / so they too have now disobeyed, in order that they too may now receive mercy through the mercy shown to you. / For God has consigned everyone to disobedience so that He may have mercy on everyone. <a href="/2_corinthians/4-6.htm">2 Corinthians 4:6</a> For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. <a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a> Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots. <a href="/matthew/12-31.htm">Matthew 12:31-32</a> Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. / Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.was.<a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a> As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.<a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Acts 9:1,5,13</a> And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, … <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Acts 22:4</a> And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.but.<a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">1 Timothy 1:16</a> 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.<a href="/hosea/2-23.htm">Hosea 2:23</a> And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.<a href="/romans/5-20.htm">Romans 5:20,21</a> Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: … because.<a href="/numbers/15-30.htm">Numbers 15:30</a> But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.<a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47</a> And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.<a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a> Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-11.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">Although</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-12.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/romans/2-24.htm">Blasphemed</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-23.htm">Blasphemer</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-9.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/colossians/3-7.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">However</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-18.htm">Ignorance</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Ignorantly</a> <a href="/luke/22-65.htm">Injurious</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">Insolent</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm">Insulted</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Outrage</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-4.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">Persecutor</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-15.htm">Previously</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Received</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-13.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-8.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/romans/11-32.htm">Unbelief</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-9.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/31-28.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-14.htm">Although</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">Believed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Blasphemed</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-14.htm">Blasphemer</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Causing</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-11.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-14.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/philemon/1-11.htm">Formerly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">However</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Ignorance</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-7.htm">Ignorantly</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-11.htm">Injurious</a> <a href="/numbers/16-1.htm">Insolent</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-29.htm">Insulted</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-9.htm">Outrage</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-12.htm">Persecuted</a> <a href="/galatians/1-23.htm">Persecutor</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">Previously</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">Received</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-12.htm">Unbelief</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 1</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">Paul declares Timothy is faithful to the charge which was given him at his going to Macedonia.</a> 5. <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">The right use and end of the law.</a> 11. <a href="/1_timothy/1-11.htm">Paul's calling to be an apostle;</a> 20. <a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm">and the disobedience or Hymenaeus and Alexander.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; Paul reflects on his past life before his conversion to Christianity. As a blasphemer, he spoke against Jesus Christ and the early Christian faith, which he later embraced. This aligns with <a href="/acts/26-9.htm">Acts 26:9-11</a>, where Paul admits to opposing the name of Jesus and persecuting Christians. His role as a persecutor is well-documented in <a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a>, where he is described as ravaging the church, entering homes, and dragging off men and women to prison. The term "violent man" underscores his aggressive actions against Christians, which he later deeply regretted. This transformation highlights the power of God's grace to change even the most hardened hearts.yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, Paul acknowledges that his previous actions were done out of ignorance and a lack of faith. This reflects a common theme in Scripture where God shows mercy to those who sin unknowingly, as seen in <a href="/numbers/15-22.htm">Numbers 15:22-29</a>, which distinguishes between unintentional sins and willful defiance. Paul's ignorance was not an excuse but a factor in God's merciful response. His unbelief was rooted in a misunderstanding of Jesus' identity and mission, which changed dramatically after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (<a href="/acts/9.htm">Acts 9:1-19</a>).I was shown mercy. The mercy shown to Paul is a testament to God's grace and forgiveness. Despite his past, God chose Paul to be an apostle, demonstrating that no one is beyond redemption. This mercy is a central theme in Paul's writings, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by works (<a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>). Paul's experience serves as an example of the transformative power of God's mercy, encouraging believers to trust in God's ability to forgive and renew. This mercy also fulfills the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6-7</a>, where God promises to open the eyes of the blind and free captives from darkness, a spiritual reality Paul experienced firsthand.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus)</a> The author of the letter to Timothy, Paul was once a fervent persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. His transformation is a testament to the power of God's grace and mercy. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of Paul, Timothy was entrusted with the leadership of the church in Ephesus. Paul wrote this letter to encourage and instruct him in his pastoral duties. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was serving as a church leader. It was a major center of early Christianity and a place where Paul had previously ministered. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The community of believers in the first century who faced persecution and challenges as they spread the message of Jesus Christ. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_road_to_damascus.htm">The Road to Damascus</a> The event where Paul encountered the risen Christ, leading to his conversion from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_transformative_power_of_grace.htm">The Transformative Power of Grace</a> Paul's life exemplifies how God's grace can transform even the most hardened hearts. No one is beyond the reach of God's mercy. <a href="/topical/i/ignorance_and_unbelief.htm">Ignorance and Unbelief</a> Acting in ignorance and unbelief does not excuse sin, but it highlights the need for divine intervention and enlightenment. We should pray for those who are spiritually blind. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mercy.htm">The Role of Mercy</a> Mercy is a central theme in the Christian faith. Just as Paul received mercy, believers are called to extend mercy to others, recognizing that we have all sinned. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_testimony.htm">The Importance of Testimony</a> Sharing personal testimonies of transformation can be a powerful tool in witnessing to others. Paul's account encourages believers to be open about their past and the change Christ has made in their lives. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_for_leaders.htm">Encouragement for Leaders</a> Timothy, as a young leader, is reminded of the power of God's grace. Church leaders today can draw strength from knowing that God equips and empowers those He calls.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 1</a> <a href="/q/what_distinguishes_mercy_from_grace.htm">What distinguishes mercy from grace?</a> <a href="/q/can_they_be_forgiven_for_ignorance.htm">Can they be forgiven for their ignorance?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_paul_mean_by_'chief_sinner'.htm">What did Paul mean by "chief of sinners"?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_blaspheming_god_mean.htm">What does blaspheming God mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious.--In these words of bitter I self-accusation, St. Paul sums up. the characteristic features of his brilliant career as a young Pharisee leader, as a popular Jewish patriot. The object of his intense hatred and of his burning antagonism during these never-to-be-forgotten days was that very Lord, from whom later he had received such unspeakable gifts. He knew he had been "a blasphemer" of that dear Master in the truest sense of the terrible word, since, as it has been well said, that: "He who had seen Stephen die for Christ, and after this did not cease to pant like a wild beast for the blood of the Church, must have known that he had not been guilty of simply reviling men but of blaspheming God." And "a persecutor," for, to quote his own words at Jerusalem (<a href="/acts/22-4.htm" title="And I persecuted this way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.">Acts 22:4</a>): "I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." (Comp., too, <a href="/acts/25-11.htm" title="For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.">Acts 25:11</a> : "I compelled them to blaspheme.") And "injurious" (or, more accurately rendered, a doer of outrage), as he must well have remembered the events referred to in the history of the Acts (<a href="/acts/9-1.htm" title="And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,">Acts 9:1</a>) in the words: "Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord."But I obtained mercy.--The Apostle, his heart overflowing with love and gratitude, contrasts his Master's mercy with his own want of it; the "mercy" shown to him consisting in something very different to simple forgiveness of a great wrong. In St. Paul's case the pardon was crowned by many a noble gift bestowed by that pitiful King whom he had so cruelly wronged.Because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.--This is one of the passages which throws a gleam of light on some of the hard questions which perplex us when we meditate on the principles of the final judgment. Very little is told us as to the doom of those who have not heard, or else have failed to understand, the message of Christ. Still, from even such scanty teaching as is contained in the words we are now considering, and in such passages as <a href="/context/matthew/12-31.htm" title="Why I say to you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men.">Matthew 12:31-32</a>; <a href="/luke/23-34.htm" title="Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.">Luke 23:34</a>, we gather that there is an ignorance which at least greatly modifies the guilt of unbelief; we learn at least this much--such a sinner is not out of the pale of the operation of divine mercy But in spite of these hints--for they are little more--of the almost limitless area of the divine mercy, great care must be taken not to press overmuch these blessed intimations of the possibility of a mercy far more extended than the usual interpretation of the inspired utterances would lead us to expect; for, after all, the words and teaching of the merciful Redeemer Himself (<a href="/luke/12-48.htm" title="But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For to whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.">Luke 12:48</a>) seem to point to a mitigation of punishment, rather than to a complete forgiveness, of sins committed under circumstances of perhaps partial ignorance. "He that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 13. - Though I was for who was, A.V. and T.R.; howbeit for but, A.V. A blasphemer (βλάσημον); applied, as here, to persons, only in <a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">2 Timothy 3:2</a>; applied to words, <a href="/acts/6-11.htm">Acts 6:11, 13</a> (T.R.). The verb βλασφημεῖν, and the substantive βλασφημία, are very common, both in the sense of "blaspheming" and of "railing" or "reviling." St. Paul was a blasphemer because he spoke against the Name of Jesus, which he had since discovered was a Name above all names. A persecutor (διώκτης); only here; but the verb διωκεῖν is applied to St. Paul repeatedly (<a href="/acts/9-4.htm">Acts 9:4, 5</a>; <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Acts 22:4</a>; <a href="/acts/26-11.htm">Acts 26:11</a>, etc.), and the διώκτης here refers possibly to that very narrative. Injurious (ὑβριστής); only here and <a href="/romans/1-30.htm">Romans 1:30</a>, where it is rendered "insolent," R.V. The verb ὑβρίζειν, both in the New Testament and in classical Greek, means to "treat or use others despitefully," "to outrage and insult" them, not without personal violence (<a href="/matthew/22-6.htm">Matthew 22:6</a>; <a href="/luke/18-32.htm">Luke 18:32</a>; <a href="/acts/14-5.htm">Acts 14:5</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:2</a>). The ὑβριστής is one who so treats others. St. Paul was thinking of his own conduct toward the Christians, whom he not only reviled, but handled roughly and east into prison (<a href="/acts/8-3.htm">Acts 8:3</a>; <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Acts 9:1</a>; <a href="/acts/22-19.htm">Acts 22:19</a>). There is no English word which exactly renders ὑβριστής. <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I was ὄντα (onta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. formerly πρότερον (proteron) Adverb - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_4386.htm">Strong's 4386: </a> Formerly, before. Neuter of proteros as adverb; previously. a blasphemer, βλάσφημον (blasphēmon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_989.htm">Strong's 989: </a> Slanderous; subst: a blasphemer. From a derivative of blapto and pheme; scurrilious, i.e. Calumnious, or impious. a persecutor, διώκτην (diōktēn) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1376.htm">Strong's 1376: </a> A persecutor. From dioko; a persecutor. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. a violent [man]; ὑβριστήν (hybristēn) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5197.htm">Strong's 5197: </a> An insolent, insulting, or violent man. From hubrizo; an insulter, i.e. Maltreater. yet ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. because ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. I had acted ἐποίησα (epoiēsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. ignorance ἀγνοῶν (agnoōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_50.htm">Strong's 50: </a> To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance. [and] unbelief, ἀπιστίᾳ (apistia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_570.htm">Strong's 570: </a> Unbelief, unfaithfulness, distrust. From apistos; faithlessness, i.e. disbelief, or unfaithfulness. I was shown mercy. ἠλεήθην (ēleēthēn) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1653.htm">Strong's 1653: </a> To pity, have mercy on. From eleos; to compassionate. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 1:13 Although I was before a blasphemer (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 1:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 1:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/1-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 1:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 1:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>