He does say that sort of thing quite often... and I agree that it makes Paul a lot more palatable (he comes across very strongly on some controversial topics, so it's nice to know that he's a hypocrite
).
I'm always careful when mentioning that Jesus came for the sinners, as that can (if not worded well) give the impression that sin is "acceptable" practice within the church. We do need to hold each other accountable, and attempt to move towards being christ-like, and not be the same christians we were when we first repented. After all, we are supposed to "not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds." Obviously I mean the sin is unacceptable. the people, as has been said, needed to be loved, but not left to stagnate in their sin (yes, that's right Linda, love the sinner, hate the sin
).
I think there is something to be said for judging
christianity by the state of the christians, although I would be less likely to judge Christ Himself (Him being God and all... I never thought of that as a clever move).