Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 4:9

"Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation." — 1 Timothy 4:9 (ASV)

Again we find the formula, “This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance” (cf. comment on 1:15). In this case, it most likely refers to the preceding statement (v.8). “Labor” (GK 3159) and “strive” (GK 76) are both strong terms. The first means “grow weary” and implies working with effort; the second was used for competing in an athletic contest, implying “struggle.” Just as athletes exert what seems to be their last ounce of energy to win a race, so Paul was giving the ministry all he had.

God is “the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.” In what sense is he the Savior of all men? To interpret this in terms of universal salvation would be contrary to the whole tenor of Scripture. What Paul means is that God is potentially the Savior of all men because of Calvary, but actually the Savior of only those who believe.