But let us mark the _object_ of all this dealing with the chief of sinners. "Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in _me first_, Jesus Christ might show forth _all_ long-suffering, for a _pattern_ to them who should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting." The chief of sinners is in heaven. How did he get there? Simply by the blood of Jesus; and moreover, he is Christ's "pattern" man. All may look at him and see how they too are to be saved; for in such wise as the "chief" was saved, must all the subordinate be saved. The _grace_ that reached the chief can reach all. The blood that cleansed the chief can cleanse all. The title by which the chief entered heaven is the title for all. Behold in Paul a "pattern of Christ's long-suffering!" There is not a sinner at this side the portal of hell, backslider or aught else, beyond the reach of the love of God, the blood of Christ, or the testimony of the Holy Ghost. We shall now turn to the other side of Saul's character, and contemplate him as THE CHIEF OF LEGALISTS. "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, _I more_" (Phil. 3: 4). Here we have a most valuable point. Saul of Tarsus stood, as it were, on the loftiest height of the hill of legal righteousness. He reached the topmost step of the ladder of human religion. He would suffer no man to get above him. His religious attainments were of the very highest order. (See Gal. 1: 14.) "If _any_ other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, _I more_." Is any man trusting in his temperance? Paul could say, "I _more_." Is any man trusting in his morality? Paul could say, "I _more_." Is any man trusting in ordinances, sacraments, religious services, or pious observances? Paul could say, "I _more_." All this imparts a peculiar interest to the history of Saul of Tarsus. In him we see, at one view, the power of the blood of Christ, and the utter worthlessness of the fairest robe of self-righteousness that ever decked the person of a legalist. Looking at him, no sinner need despair; looking at him, no legalist can boast. If the chief of sinners is in heaven, I can get there too. If the greatest religionist, legalist, and doer, that ever lived had to come _down_ from the ladder of self-righteousness, it is of no use for me to go _up_.