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NASB | 1 Timothy 4:10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 4:10 It is for this that we labor and strive [often called to account], because we have fixed our [confident] hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe [in Him, recognize Him as the Son of God, and accept Him as Savior and Lord]. |
Bible Question: While teaching through 1 Timothy, I have noticed that the apostle Paul used the word "especially" a few times in a way that made me curious. For example, 1 Timothy 4:10..."For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers." Also in 1 Timothy 5:8..."But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Finally in 1 Timothy 5:17..."The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching." It seems that Paul used "especially" in this letter to define more clearly what he had written just before using that word. For example, in 4:10, "all men" would equal "believers." In 5:8, "his own" would equal "those of his household". And in 5:17, "elders who rule well" would equal "those who work hard at preaching and teaching." Am I understanding Paul's use of "especially" in the way he intended? If not, how did Paul (and the Holy Spirit) intend for it to be understood? |
Bible Answer: Hi Terry, In answer to your question, here's what 2 noted NT Greek scholars have to say on this word: 1. "Specially of them that believe [malista pistôn]. Making a distinction in the kinds of salvation meant. “While God is potentially Saviour of all, He is actually Saviour of the [pistoi]” (White). So Jesus is termed “Saviour of the World” (John 4:42). Cf. Gal. 6:10." [A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament]; 2. "Paul says that the Christian God is the Saviour of all men. This might appear to teach universalism, and hence needs careful exegesis. The word “Saviour” (soter) means “saviour, deliverer, preserver.” The name was given by the ancients to deities, to princes, kings, and in general, to men who had conferred signal benefits upon their country, and in the more degenerate days, by way of flattery, to personages of influence (Thayer). In the Cult of the Caesar, the state religion of the Roman Empire, the reigning emperor was called “saviour of the world,” in the sense that he was the preserver of mankind by reason of his beneficent reign. One could find in this statement the idea that God is the Preserver of the entire human race in the sense of His providential care. But the context, which brings in the idea of faith, seems to indicate that the idea of salvation from sin and the impartation of eternal life is the function here of God as Saviour. He is Saviour of all men in the sense that our Lord is “the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42). He is the actual Saviour of those who believe, and the potential Saviour of the unbeliever in the sense that He has provided a salvation at the Cross for the sinner, and stands ready to save that sinner when the latter places his faith in the Lord Jesus." [Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament] I hope this helps, BradK |
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Questions and/or Subjects for 1 Tim 4:10 | Author | ||
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Badger | ||
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Terry Laudett | ||
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BradK | ||
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Terry Laudett | ||
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BradK | ||
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Terry Laudett |