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 2:7

2:7 For this I was appointed a preacher and apostle – I am telling the truth; ³  I am not lying – and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

[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.

[2:7]  ³ tc Most mss (א* D² H 33^vid Ï) have ἐν Χριστῷ (en Cristw) after λέγω (legw) to read “I am telling the truth in Christ,” but this is probably an assimilation to Rom 9:1. Further, the witnesses that lack this phrase are early, important, and well distributed (א² A D* F G P Ψ 6 81 1175 1739 1881 al sy co). It is difficult to explain the shorter reading if it is not original.