Saul of Tarsus

In contemplating the character of this most remarkable man, we may gather valuable principles of gospel truth.

This man seems especially suited to show two things. First, what the grace of God can do. Second, what the greatest amount of legal effort cannot do.

Truly, if there was ever a person on this earth illustrating that salvation is “by grace and not by works of the law,” Saul of Tarsus was the man.

Saul is an example of the depth from which God’s grace can rescue a sinner; and, secondly, the height from which a legalist is brought down to receive Christ. That is necessary if he is to accept Christ.

Later he calls himself the “foremost of sinners.” He did so because he had persecuted Christ in His saints. Yet he could also call himself “blameless.” He meant the kind of righteousness “which is in the Law.”

The “Foremost” of Sinners

So let us first consider Saul as the foremost of sinners. “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15).

Note above all that it is the Spirit of God who says this about Saul of Tarsus. It is not an expression of Paul’s humility. Although the thought of his past surely humbled him.

But we are not to occupy ourselves with an inspired writer’s feelings. We are to occupy ourselves with the Holy Spirit’s statements. He was the One who inspired him. Consider that.

Full Inspiration of Scripture

Many sometimes speak of the feelings of inspired writers. They do so in a way that weakens the sense of Scripture’s complete inspiration. They may not intend that. Yet we must be watchful against anything. It attacks the integrity of God’s Word.

The point is this. We should all value the Holy Scriptures with our heart’s affections. Not as expressions of human feelings, however pious and commendable, but as the depository of God’s thoughts.

“For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:21).

God’s Testimony about Paul

Therefore, when we read 1 Timothy 1:15, we should not think of human emotions. We should think of God’s testimony. He says that Paul was “the foremost of sinners.”

In a certain sense, many a convert may have seemed to himself the guiltiest of all. But that is something else. The Holy Spirit said it here about Paul.

The fact that He told it to us through Paul’s pen does not in any way diminish the value of the statement.

Saul, as the persecutor of the church and thus of the Lord Himself, was the “foremost” of sinners. He was the most outstanding one. He was the clearest example of a person about whom one had to think. For him there truly is no salvation.

Therefore, however deeply anyone may recognize his lost condition, a voice rises to his ear from a deeper point still, “I am foremost.”

The Lord’s Purpose in Saving the Foremost

But note the goal of all the Lord’s dealings with the foremost of sinners. “Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16).

The foremost of sinners is in heaven. How did he get there? Simply by the blood of Jesus.

And more than that. He is Christ’s “pattern” man. Everyone can look at him. They can see how they too are to be saved.

For as the foremost was saved, so all who follow must be saved. The grace that reached the foremost can reach all. The blood that cleansed the foremost can cleanse all.

The title by which the foremost entered heaven is the title for all.

The “Foremost” of the Legalists

Now let us turn to the other side of Saul’s personality. Let us consider him as the “foremost” of the legalists.

“Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason” (Philippians 3:4).

The Summit of Self-Righteousness

Here we find a very remarkable point. Saul of Tarsus stood, so to speak, on the loftiest height of legal righteousness. He had reached the highest rung of the ladder of human religion.

He did not tolerate anyone above him. His religious achievements were of the highest rank (see Galatians 1:14).

“If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh,” he says, “then I have more reason.” Does anyone trust in his self-control? In his morality? Paul says, “I have more reason.”

Does anyone trust in services of worship or pious duty? Paul says, “I could do that more.”

Blood and Grace Versus Human Righteousness

All of this makes this man’s story so interesting. He stood on the highest peak of self-righteousness. Yet he was an enemy of Christ and His people.

In his person he united the best and the worst. But in him we also see at one view two things. The power of Christ’s blood and the complete worthlessness of all self-righteousness.

When one looks at him, no sinner needs to despair. And no legalist can boast. If the foremost of sinners is in heaven, I too can get there. If the most religious and most legal person had to come down, then it is useless for me to climb up.

Saul’s guilt was fully paid by Christ’s blood. His religious pride was swept away at the sight of Jesus.

Saul found his proper place at the pierced feet of Jesus of Nazareth. His guilt was no obstacle. His righteousness was of no use.

The former was washed away by Jesus’ blood. The latter proved to be loss and filth before Christ’s glory.

It did not matter whether it was “I am foremost” or “I more.” The cross was the only remedy.

“But far be it from me,” says the foremost of sinners and prince of legalists, “to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).

One Way for Sinner and Legalist

Saul had once been as unaware of his trust in righteousness as he was unaware of his evil deeds.

He had been allowed to win the laurel of victory in the great legal contest with the “peers in my nation,” only to throw them away as withered and worthless at the foot of the cross.

He had been permitted to outstrip his rivals on the dark path of guilt. It was so he could serve as an example. It showed the power of God’s love and the efficacy of the blood of Christ.

Saul was no closer to Christ as the foremost legalist than he was as the foremost sinner.

The noblest efforts in the school of legalism did not make him more righteous, nor did the worst acts of opposition to the name of Christ.

He was saved by grace, saved by blood, saved by faith. There is no other way for sinner or legalist.

“… I labored even more than all of them”

There is another side in Paul’s story. We must look at it briefly. It shows the practical results of Christ’s grace. That is wherever that grace is known.

We will also come to know Paul as the apostle who labored the most.

From Self to Christ

When Paul stopped working for his own righteousness he then began to work for Christ.

On the road to Damascus, we see the shattered remains of the former Saul. We hear from the depths of his broken heart the words “What shall I do, Lord?”

We see the once raging persecutor now stretching out his hand. He is led like a blind man. Such a profound change promises great things for this man’s future course.

And we are not disappointed.

Grace Produces Works

Notice the progress of this extraordinary man. Consider his immense labor in Christ’s vineyard. See his tears, his efforts, and his struggles.

Then tell me whether the gospel of God’s free grace makes good works unnecessary. No, the precious gospel is the only true foundation on which the superstructure of good works can ever be built.

So it was with Paul. He let go of himself and found everything in Christ. Therefore, as we reflect on his impressive story, we hear three things.

From the depths of ruin, his words: “I am foremost.” From the highest point of the legal system, his words: “I more.” But from the midst of his apostolic labor we hear the words: “I labored even more than all of them.”