Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Timothy 1:12

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.

Here St. Paul expresses his most humble and solemn thanks to Christ for his rich favour in calling him to the High Office of an Apostle: for by the ministry, that is to be understood, and 'tis so called by way of excellence, it being the most glorious and Divine Ministry that ever was establisht in the Church: and he ascribes to our Saviour the praise of all that he performed in the faithful discharge of it. He saith, Christ enabled me, that is, endowed him with Fidelity, Zeal, Courage, and all other qualifications requisite for that honourable and difficult Ministry, 2 Cor. 3.5, 6. The end of that Sacred Ministry was to inlighten and reform the World from superstition, and that vicious and vain conversation that was so pleasing to carnal men, to abolish those corrupt customs that had taken such deep root, and to plant the truth that comes from above, and to publish a holy Law so opposite to corrupt nature. This work was opposed by the craft and cruelty, the artifice and violence of the powers of darkness in conjunction with the perverted World. And the Glory of the Apostles resisting such Enemies is entirely due to Christ. He adds as a motive of his thankfulness, that Jesus Christ counted him faithful, which is an evident proof that he intends that he made him faithful. His faithfulness was not the cause or motive, but the fruit and effect of the Grace of God in calling him to the ministry. This he expresly declares 1 Cor. 7.25. Having obtained mercy to be faithful. If our Saviour had only discovered his fidelity, without bestowing that Grace upon him, there had not been a reason of such affectionate thanksgiving: for that alwaies supposes some favour and benefit received.