New Testament

1 Timothy 1:15

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

Here is a statement you can trust completely: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — and I am the worst of them all.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

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.

What 1 Timothy 1:15 means

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse highlights a powerful truth: Jesus came to help those who have made mistakes and feel lost. The author, Paul, openly admits that he sees himself as the worst sinner. This honesty shows that no one is beyond hope. It emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their past, can find forgiveness and a fresh start through Jesus. The message is clear: if Jesus can save someone like Paul, He can save anyone. This statement is meant to be trusted and accepted by all. It reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles and that redemption is possible. The focus is on the grace and mercy of Jesus, who reaches out to the broken and lost. This verse invites us to reflect on our own lives and recognize that we too can receive this incredible gift of salvation, no matter our past actions or mistakes. It’s a reminder that everyone is worthy of love and forgiveness, and that change is always possible with faith in Christ. This message is both personal and transformative, encouraging us to embrace hope.

How to apply 1 Timothy 1:15 to your life

Reflect on your own life and consider areas where you feel unworthy or lost. Remember that Jesus offers forgiveness and a new beginning. Share this message of hope with others who may feel hopeless. Embrace the idea that everyone can change and be redeemed through faith. Let this truth inspire you to live differently today, knowing you are loved and accepted by God.

Curated for this public verse page. 1 Timothy Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Andrew bringing his brother Simon to Jesus

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Peter

Excavated stone ruins below the high ancient walls at the south end of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Jerusalem

David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about 1 Timothy 1:15

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying 1 Timothy 1:15

At a Glance — the Book of 1 Timothy

Author
Paul the apostle
Written
Around AD 62-66
Genre
Letter (pastoral epistle)
Original Audience
Timothy and the Ephesian church

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does 1 Timothy 1:15 mean?

1 Timothy 1:15 means that Jesus came to save sinners, and the author, Paul, acknowledges his own shortcomings by calling himself the worst sinner. This highlights the message that no one is beyond redemption and that everyone can receive forgiveness through Christ.

What is the meaning of 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners' in 1 Timothy 1:15?

The phrase 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners' emphasizes the purpose of Jesus' mission on Earth, which is to offer salvation and forgiveness to those who have sinned. It reassures believers that they can find hope and a new beginning regardless of their past.

How does 1 Timothy 1:15 relate to forgiveness?

1 Timothy 1:15 relates to forgiveness by showing that even someone who considers themselves the worst sinner can be saved by Jesus. It emphasizes that forgiveness is available to everyone, no matter their past actions.

What themes are present in 1 Timothy 1:15?

The themes present in 1 Timothy 1:15 include forgiveness, grace, redemption, honesty, and hope. These themes highlight the transformative power of Jesus' love and the possibility of change for everyone.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.