1 Timothy 4:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 4:10
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 4 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, prayer, faith. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 4:10
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
Analysis
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach (εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ κοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα, eis touto gar kai kopiōmen kai agōnizometha)—'for to this end we toil and strive.' Kopiaō means to labor to exhaustion, work hard. Agōnizomai means to struggle, fight, compete (as athletes). Some manuscripts read 'suffer reproach' (oneidizometha) instead of 'strive.' Either way, Paul describes strenuous, costly ministry.
Because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe (ὅτι ἠλπίκαμεν ἐπὶ θεῷ ζῶντι, ὅς ἐστιν σωτὴρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων, μάλιστα πιστῶν, hoti ēlpikamen epi theō zōnti, hos estin sōtēr pantōn anthrōpōn, malista pistōn)—'we have set our hope on the living God, who is Savior of all people, especially of believers.' Elpizō means to hope, trust. Sōtēr means savior, deliverer, preserver.
Paul's motivation for exhausting ministry: hope in the living God who saves. God is 'Savior of all people' in that He provides common grace (preserves life, sends rain, shows patience), but 'especially believers' who receive salvation unto eternal life. The distinction: God benefits all humanity, but saves eternally only those who believe.
Historical Context
Paul's ministry involved constant hardship—beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, opposition (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). What sustained him? Hope in the living God who saves. Unlike dead idols worshiped in Ephesus, the Christian God is alive, active, powerful to save. This living God's saving purpose motivates costly ministry—we labor because people's eternal destiny is at stake.
Reflection
- What motivates exhausting, costly ministry—how does hope in God fuel perseverance?
- How is God 'Savior of all people' yet 'especially of believers'—what's the distinction?
- What role does belief in God's saving power play in sustaining difficult ministry?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- Salvation: 1 Timothy 2:4, John 4:42, 1 John 4:14
- References God: John 1:29
- Parallel theme: 1 Timothy 2:6, 1 John 2:2