1 Timothy 1:13

though formerly I was a blasphemer , persecutor , and insolent opponent . But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief ,

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious : but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.