1 Timothy 1:13-16 even though I had previously spoken against Christ, and persecuted Christians and acted outrageously. However, I obtained mercy because I acted out of ignorance, not believing in Christ.

AUV⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹³ [even] though I had previously spoken against Christ, and persecuted [Christians] and acted outrageously. However, I obtained mercy because I acted out of ignorance, not believing [in Christ]. ¹⁴ [But] the unearned favor of our Lord was given to me in great abundance, producing faith and love which are [found] in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This saying is trustworthy and deserves to be fully accepted: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them all. ¹⁶ However, even though I was the worst, I obtained mercy so that the patience of Jesus Christ could be shown toward the worst [of sinners] as an example for those people who would later believe in Him in order to [receive] never ending life.