1 Timotius 1:16

1:16 But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that ¹  in me as the worst, ²  Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life.

1 Timotius 6:12

6:12 Compete well ³  for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession ⁴  for ⁵  in the presence of many witnesses.

[1:16]  ¹ tn Grk “but because of this I was treated with mercy, so that…”

[1:16]  ² tn Grk “in me first,” making the connection with the last phrase of v. 15.

[6:12]  ³ tn This phrase literally means “compete in the good competition of the faith,” using words that may refer to a race or to a boxing or wrestling match: “run the good race” or “fight the good fight.” The similar phrase in 1 Tim 1:18 uses a military picture and is more literally “war the good warfare.”

[6:12]  ⁴ sn At some point in Timothy’s life, he publicly acknowledged Jesus as the resurrected Lord, perhaps either at his baptism or his ordination as a minister of the gospel. With this reminder of the historical moment of his good confession, Timothy is encouraged to remain steadfast in his faith and to finish his life as a minister in the same way it began (see G. W. Knight, Pastoral Epistles [NIGTC], 264-65).

[6:12]  ⁵ tn Grk “confessed the good confession.”