The apostle Paul strongly emphasizes the truth and the value of the message with which he had been entrusted. It is a message basic to all true Christianity—a simple message, yet marvelously sublime. “A faithful saying” is true to fact and dependable. “Worthy of all acceptance” means that it is commended wholeheartedly to all mankind without reserve.

Who can measure the wonder of such a message? How can the preciousness of it ever be exhausted? It is grace supreme and eternal! The Creator stooped down to the place of lowly manhood, not only to show a sympathetic consideration, but to willingly bear the awful judgment of God in order to save sinners. This is indeed matchless kindness to those who did not deserve the slightest consideration, for we were enemies of God, lost, ruined, guilty, deserving only judgment.

To these words, Paul adds, “of whom I am chief,” considering himself the most guilty of all. Paul had been religious, self-righteous, and proud, but he learned this was thoroughly sinful in God’s sight. Certainly anyone, realizing his guilt in the eyes of God, is confronted with the terrible sinfulness of his sins in the presence of God’s holiness. But then the perfection and beauty of the grace of God in Christ Jesus is brought home to the soul, and there is peace in the knowledge of eternal forgiveness based entirely upon the blessed person and work of the Lord Jesus. “Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).