Most commentators believe this was a common saying in the church world in the Old Testament church. That Christ came into this world to save sinners of which I am chief. Paul recalls his rather "shady" background (stoning Stephan and becoming a Pharisee.) We too must be able to say we are the chief of sinners!

This saying is truth! It is that saying that is much gainsaid and opposed in Paul's day. We read in Matthew 21 about the killing of God's messengers and then they will ultimately kill Christ when He tells the parable. We experience and hear the same things in our society with no acceptance of God, Christ and Him crucified, and/or even His Word even though that Word is very truth! The world does not want it and even the church world today is turning to a purely SOCIAL gospel. NO! Christ came to this world to save SINNERS! We must understand the depth and it is more than Christmas (as even the world embraces around us starting even now in this season.) The root of all problems is SIN! And we too are the chief of all sinners!

He was not just a good example...but was born for the cross to redeem. We worship Him as King who has already redeemed it! In this world, wherever you turn there are problems and they are asking what is "all of this about?!" They see His glory around them in all of nature and still set the truth of history aside, discard it, and even deny it..giving their own answers and solutions to the problems. God from all eternity decided to redeem a church and that is why we understand it!

But what does it have to do with us? A great grounds for self examination. Why? Because we must confess that we are sinners! Why talk about Christ, His birth and coming, the cross, His death and believe in Him unless you speak of sin and need HIS redemption??!!! It ALL hinges on this: If we do not sin and need redemption this saying is a lie. BUT, if we mark ourselves as the chief of sinners this statement is true and we accept it gladly as Christ redeemed us full and free and we obtain mercy!