1 Timothy 1:16

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.

1 Timothy 1:16

Paul considered himself the worst of the worst. Before coming to Christ, he persecuted the early church Christians mercilessly, dragging them off to prison and compelling them to deny Christ in synagogues. Because of this past, he calls himself the chief of sinners and the least of the apostles.

And yet, he received mercy. And he says the reason for that mercy was for him to be an example that all could be saved. To show the world forever that no one, not even Paul, is too far gone for Jesus to save. 

Today, we should remember that as we share the gospel with those around us. That sometimes those who we deem farthest from salvation are actually the closest. Paul was on his way to Damascus to drag more Christians off to prison when Christ got ahold of him. 

David Reeves