We read in Scripture, both in the Old Testament and in the New, of “chiefs” many, and of various kinds. For instance, chief butler, chief baker, chief ruler, chief singer, chief prince, chief among the publicans (tax-gatherers), chief of the Pharisees, etc., but here only do we meet with the designation, “chief” of sinners!
There have been, and are, many sinners in the world, but our attention is here called by the Holy Ghost to one who stands out above all as chief of sinners; and who, knowing the rich mercy of God towards sinners, can speak thus faithfully of himself. It is not that the apostle Paul in writing to Timothy these words boasted in any way of his sins, but of the Saviour who came into the world to save sinners—to save such a sinner as Saul of Tarsus. Preachers may point to the crucified robber whom the world condemned as unfit to live in it, as indeed the robber himself confessed— “we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds,” but he was not of sinners “chief.” Saul, the blasphemer, the persecutor and injurious, is the man who writes these words—inspired by the Holy Spirit of truth —and writes them of himself! “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief!” Yet this same man who conceals not the malignity of his heart in his unconverted days against the name of Jesus and His confessors, had been a very religious man indeed. He had lived a consistent life, according to what he had thought was right. But how changed are now his thoughts! And how had this come about?
Stricken down on his persecuting errand to Damascus, he had made the discovery that he was in antagonism to the One who spoke from heaven. He was a stranger to the grace and person of the Saviour! “Who art thou, Lord?” “I am Jesus, whom thou art persecuting.” What a revelation to him! Over- whelmed, he could neither eat nor drink for three days. He had to learn there was nothing he could cling to of self or its doings. No, it is “a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to SAVE sinners.” The SAVIOUR has come. He has died on the cross, “the just for the unjust, to bring us to God.” This he now believed, and believing, he was saved. Will you not be encouraged by this remarkable pattern of God’s long-suffering and mercy to the chief of sinners, now to receive God’s love, and henceforth praise and serve Him who loved and gave Himself for thee?