1 Timothy 1:12-16

12I thank him that enabled me, even Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to his service;

13though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief;

14and the grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:

16howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ shew forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them which should hereafter believe on him unto eternal life.