1 Timothy 4:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} therefore {G1519}{G5124} we {G2872} both {G2532} labour {G2872} and {G2532} suffer reproach {G3679}, because {G3754} we trust {G1679} in {G1909} the living {G2198} God {G2316}, who {G3739} is {G2076} the Saviour {G4990} of all {G3956} men {G444}, specially {G3122} of those that believe {G4103}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(indeed, it is for this that we toil and strive): we have our hope set on a living God who is the deliverer of all humanity, especially of those who trust.

Berean Standard Bible

To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.

American Standard Version

For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 4:10 serves as a foundational declaration of the apostle Paul's unwavering commitment to his arduous ministry, explaining that his labor and suffering are rooted in a profound trust in the living God. This verse articulates a crucial theological truth: God is the universal Sustainer and potential Deliverer for all humanity, yet He is uniquely and eternally the Savior of those who place their faith in Him. It balances God's general benevolence with the specific, saving efficacy of faith in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's first letter to Timothy, a pastoral epistle providing guidance for leading the church in Ephesus. Chapter 4 specifically addresses the rise of false teachers who promote asceticism and deviations from sound doctrine. Paul contrasts these empty teachings with the value of "godliness," which he asserts is profitable for both the present life and the life to come ([1 Timothy 4:8](/1_timothy/4-8 "1 Timothy 4:8 - The Profit of Godliness")). Verse 10 directly follows this assertion, introduced by "For therefore," indicating that the labor and reproach endured by Paul and Timothy are a direct consequence of their commitment to this profitable godliness and the truth of the gospel, in stark opposition to the false teachings. It provides the theological grounding for their perseverance in ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to Timothy around 62-64 AD, likely from Macedonia, while Timothy was overseeing the church in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its diverse religious practices and the pervasive worship of Artemis. The early church faced significant internal challenges from emerging heresies (like Gnosticism's nascent forms, which emphasized special knowledge and often denigrated the material world) and external pressures from Roman paganism and Jewish opposition. The concept of "savior" (Greek: *sōtēr*) was common in the Hellenistic world, applied to gods (like Zeus or Asclepius), emperors (who brought peace or prosperity), and even philosophers. Paul's use of "Saviour" for God, particularly distinguishing between "all men" and "those that believe," would have resonated with and simultaneously challenged the prevailing cultural understanding of divine or human deliverers, asserting God's unique and ultimate role.
* **Key Themes:** The broader themes in 1 Timothy 4 include the **apostasy of false teachers** and the **importance of sound doctrine** ([1 Timothy 4:1-6](/1_timothy/4-1-6 "1 Timothy 4:1-6 - Warning Against False Teachers")). Paul emphasizes the **value of spiritual discipline and godliness** over mere physical training, highlighting its eternal benefits ([1 Timothy 4:7-9](/1_timothy/4-7-9 "1 Timothy 4:7-9 - The Superiority of Godliness")). Verse 10 contributes significantly to the theme of **perseverance in ministry** by revealing the divine motivation behind enduring hardship for the gospel. It also introduces the critical theological distinction between **God's universal providence** (Saviour of all men in a general sense) and **His particular redemptive grace** (Saviour specially of those that believe). This distinction underscores the **necessity of faith** for salvation, a theme central to Paul's theology, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Greek, _kopiáō'_):** This verb signifies to feel fatigue, to work hard, or to toil to the point of exhaustion. It implies strenuous effort, often with a sense of weariness or struggle. In this context, it highlights the demanding nature of Paul's apostolic ministry and the physical and mental exertion involved in spreading the gospel and caring for the churches.
* **trust (Greek, _elpízō'_):** Derived from the word for hope (*elpis*), this verb means to expect or to confide. It denotes a confident expectation, a firm reliance, and a deep-seated hope in someone or something. Here, it underscores that the apostles' enduring labor and suffering are not in vain, but are sustained by an active, confident faith in God.
* **Saviour (Greek, _sōtḗr'_):** This noun refers to a deliverer, preserver, or rescuer. While it can have a broad meaning of one who saves or preserves from danger or destruction, in a theological context, it points to God as the ultimate source of salvation, both in a general sense of preserving life and providing common grace, and in a specific, redemptive sense of delivering humanity from sin and death through Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach":** This phrase explains the "why" behind Paul's and Timothy's strenuous efforts and the public scorn they endure. The "therefore" connects directly to the preceding discussion about the profitability of godliness. Their commitment to the gospel and godly living is not easy; it demands hard work ("labour") and often invites public criticism, shame, or disgrace ("suffer reproach") from those who oppose their message or lifestyle.
* **"because we trust in the living God":** This clause provides the ultimate motivation and foundation for their perseverance. Their endurance in labor and reproach is not for worldly gain or human approval, but because their confidence, hope, and faith are firmly placed "in the living God." This emphasizes God's active, dynamic, and authentic nature, in contrast to inanimate idols or fleeting human philosophies. He is the one who truly acts, sustains, and delivers.
* **"who is the Saviour of all men":** This declares a profound truth about God's universal care and benevolent disposition towards humanity. In a general sense, God is the "Saviour of all men" because He is the Creator and Sustainer of life, providing common grace, preserving the natural order, and offering the possibility of salvation to everyone. This speaks to His providential care for all humanity, regardless of their faith.
* **"specially of those that believe":** This crucial qualification clarifies the nature of God's saving work. While He is the *Saviour* of all in a general, providential sense, His specific, spiritual, and eternal salvation—deliverance from sin, reconciliation with God, and the gift of eternal life—is uniquely and effectively applied to "those that believe." This highlights the necessity of personal faith as the means by which individuals appropriate God's redemptive grace, making His universal offer of salvation personally effective.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **rhetorical devices** in this concise verse. The phrase "For therefore" acts as a **logical connector**, explicitly linking the apostles' suffering and labor to their trust in God, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship. The contrast between "all men" and "specially of those that believe" is a powerful example of **distinction** or **qualification**, where a general statement is immediately refined by a specific one. This precise language prevents misinterpretation, ensuring that God's universal benevolence is understood alongside the particularity of redemptive faith. Furthermore, the epithet "living God" serves as an **appellation** that emphasizes God's active, dynamic, and true nature, setting Him apart from dead idols or abstract philosophical concepts, thereby reinforcing the trustworthiness of the object of their faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the tension between God's universal love and His particular redemptive plan, a theological concept often referred to as common grace versus special grace. God's role as "Saviour of all men" speaks to His providential care for all creation, His desire that none should perish, and His general offer of salvation to humanity. This universal benevolence underscores His character as a loving and just God who provides for all. However, the critical qualification "specially of those that believe" clarifies that while salvation is offered to all, it is only actualized and personally experienced by those who respond in faith. This highlights the indispensable role of personal belief in receiving God's specific, eternal deliverance from sin and death, emphasizing human responsibility in the divine-human encounter. It affirms that while God's arm is long enough to reach all, His saving embrace is only truly felt by those who reach back in faith.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World and the Role of Belief")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")
* [Titus 2:11](/titus/2-11 "Titus 2:11 - The Grace of God That Brings Salvation to All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 4:10 offers profound encouragement and a clear theological framework for believers navigating the challenges of faith and ministry. It reminds us that the Christian life, particularly for those engaged in spreading the gospel, is often marked by "labor and reproach." This is not an anomaly but an expected reality, yet it is entirely sustainable because our efforts are rooted not in our own strength or the fleeting approval of others, but in an unwavering trust in the "living God." This trust provides the resilience to endure hardship, knowing that our ultimate hope is in a God who is active, faithful, and sovereign. The verse also compels us to hold in tension God's universal love and His specific saving grace. We are called to appreciate His common grace extended to all humanity, fostering a spirit of gratitude and recognizing His hand in all aspects of life. Simultaneously, we are to embrace and proclaim the exclusive path to eternal salvation through faith in Christ, understanding that while God desires all to be saved, His redemptive work is uniquely applied to those who believe. This dual truth fuels both our compassion for the lost and our urgency in evangelism, motivating us to share the good news so that more may move from general providence to specific, eternal salvation through faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you experiencing "labour and reproach" for your faith?**
* **How does trusting in the "living God" empower you to persevere through these challenges?**
* **How do you balance God's universal love for "all men" with the specific requirement of faith for salvation in your understanding and witness?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in the living God this week?**

### FAQ

**Does "Saviour of all men" mean everyone will be saved, regardless of belief?**

Answer: No, the verse does not teach universalism. The phrase "Saviour of all men" refers to God's general providence and benevolent care for all humanity. He is the Creator and Sustainer of life, providing common grace, moral guidance, and the opportunity for salvation to everyone. He desires that all should come to repentance and knowledge of the truth ([1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to Be Saved")). However, the crucial qualification "specially of those that believe" clarifies that while God's offer and desire for salvation are universal, the actual experience of spiritual and eternal salvation (deliverance from sin and eternal life) is uniquely appropriated by those who respond to His call through personal faith in Christ. This distinction highlights the necessity of belief for redemptive salvation, as affirmed throughout the New Testament (e.g., [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and the Role of Belief")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 4:10 speaks of God as the "Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe," its Christ-centered fulfillment is profound. Jesus Christ is the embodiment and ultimate expression of God's saving work for all humanity, and uniquely for believers. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), demonstrating God's universal love and provision for salvation. Yet, it is through faith in Him that this salvation becomes a personal reality. Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross is the means by which God's general desire for all to be saved is made possible, offering reconciliation to a broken world ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). He is the "living God" made manifest, the one in whom we place our trust, for He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, the "Saviour of all men" is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who extends His saving grace to all, but specifically brings eternal life and justification to those who believe in His name ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Jesus Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 2:4

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

1 John 2:2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for [the sins of] the whole world.

1 Timothy 2:6

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

John 1:29

¶ The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 John 4:14

¶ And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world.

John 3:15

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.