12 ^aI thank him who has given me ^bstrength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, ^cappointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, ^dpersecutor, and insolent opponent. But I ^ereceived mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me ^fwith the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.