I Timothy 1:12-13

"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry."

"Although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief."

(Paul proclaiming that he has obtained God's mercy on himself, though he had been one of the most terrible and villainous people.)