The word of the day is “pattern.” St. Paul presented himself as a positive example of life in Christ.   Yet he also admitted that he was a great sinner for whom the promise of eternal life depended on the grace of God. In our reading of 1 Timothy 3:15-17, Paul writes, ”I  received mercy so that in me as the foremost {sinner] Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example…” (vs. 16 OAB). In 1 Corinthians, Paul directed that the Corinthians consider him their father “through the Gospel” (1 Cor. 4:15).  As their father in faith, he instructed his flock to “imitate him” (vs.1 Cor. 16), following his example in all that he said and did. Paul…
The word of the day is “pattern.” In various letters, Paul presented himself as a positive example of life in Christ.  Yet he also admitted that he was a great sinner who had to depend on the grace of God for the promise of eternal life. In today’s reading of 1 Timothy 1:15-17, Paul writes, “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 (vs. 16 OSB). Already in 1 Corinthians, Paul directed that his congregation in Corinth consider him their father “through the Gospel” (1 Cor. 4:15).  As their father in faith, he instructed his flock…
The word of the day is “pattern.”  Paul presented himself as a positive example of life in Christ.   Yet he also admitted that he was a great sinner and he had to depend on the grace of God for the promise of eternal life (1 Timothy 1:15-17), Paul writes, “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 (vs. 16 OSB). In 1 Corinthians, Paul directed that the Corinthians consider him their father “through the Gospel” (1 Cor. 4:15).  As their father in faith, he instructed his flock to “imitate him” (vs.1 Cor. 16), following his example…
The word of the day is “pattern.” St. Paul presented himself as a positive example of life in Christ.   Yet he also admitted that he was a great sinner for whom the promise of eternal life depended on the grace of God. In our reading of 1 Timothy 3:15-17, Paul writes, ”I  received mercy so that in me as the foremost {sinner] Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example…” (vs. 16 OAB). In 1 Corinthians, Paul directed that the Corinthians consider him their father “through the Gospel” (1 Cor. 4:15).  As their father in faith, he instructed his flock to “imitate him” (vs.1 Cor. 16), following his example in all that he said and did. Paul…