Theology In Doxology

Four Truths About God in 1 Timothy 1:17

Mercy moved Paul to praise the Lord. In 1 Timothy 1:12–16, he had been reflecting on who he was before salvation and on the lifechanging mercy of God which had come to him despite his rebellion and unbelief.

Now at this point in 1 Timothy 1, Paul could’ve leaned back in his chair and basked in the wonder of God’s mercy and then leaned forward to resume writing. But he believed this doxology belonged in the letter. Timothy needed to read those words, and the readers of 1 Timothy in subsequent generations needed to read those words.

Moved by the rescuing mercy of God, Paul wrote, “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim. 1:17).

When we reflect on this verse, four descriptions of God are clear, and they are glorious.