I Timothy I
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (I Timothy 1:15 ESV)
Foremost
I have bragged about being the best swordfighter (in seventh grade) using yardsticks as broadswords. I have bragged about performing many, many weddings. I have bragged about watching every episode of every Star Trek series.
And I expect people are very impressed with at least some of these.
But is not Paul a little strange to brag about being the foremost sinner?
But it is not false humility. It is not pride in sin. It is not self-hatred expressed in self-condemnation.
But as Paul usually does… he is bragging about Jesus.
Paul knows what Paul has done… Paul knows Paul’s sins. Paul knows Paul’s Sin. Paul knows that Paul’s insides are a lot messier than people might think.
But Christ is more.
Christ’s sacrificial life, and death, and life, are more.
Christ’s grace is more.
Paul is not bragging about himself, here. He is bragging about Jesus.
We need more of that kind of bragging.