Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 2:4

"who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth." — 1 Timothy 2:4 (ASV)

Such a life is “good” (GK 2819; also meaning “beautiful” or “excellent”) and “pleases God our Savior” . He “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” This statement accords well with Jn 3:16 and with the declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 that Christ died for all. Salvation has been provided for all, but only those who accept it are saved. “Knowledge” (GK 2106) means precise and accurate knowledge. Such knowledge of God’s truth is both the root and fruit of salvation. Paul here sounds a frequent note of the Pastorals—true knowledge saves one from error.