1 Timothy 1:12-17 PREACH THE GOSPEL “The Gospel of the glory of the blessed God,” explains Paul’s testimony to grasp the wonders of God’s grace and power. This is the basis of his charge to Timothy when he passed on the responsibility to teach in Ephesus. Giving thanks is an appropriate way of expressing reverence for the Lord Jesus Christ (By the way: "reverence" is an important subject taught in Leviticus 19... even for your own body). Paul was giving thanks for what Christ had done for him, not just in saving him but in giving him apostolic authority. He had been a law-keeper and testified as to what that meant in view of the light of the Gospel. The Lord "enabled," made it possible, for this work of grace to happen; and he was "counted faithful" as one who was consistent in living in all the situations of life which are necessary to be a trusted person. As a result of this, Paul was given a "ministry," a special work for God. In this case, it was the public proclamation of the Gospel. The memory of our past experiences with God is a cause for thankfulness in the present. Like God’s grace to Paul the persecutor is described as mercy, we too are judged in the light of our knowledge.
1 Timothy 1:12–17