John Calvin Commentary 1 Timothy 4:10

"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." — 1 Timothy 4:10 (ASV)

For in this we both labor and suffer reproaches. This is an anticipation by which he answers the question, “Are not believers the most miserable of all people, because they are oppressed by tribulations of every kind?” Therefore, to show that their condition must not be judged from outward appearance, he distinguishes them from others, first in the cause, and next in the result. From this it follows that they lose nothing of the promises he has mentioned when they are tried by adversity. The sum is that believers are not miserable in afflictions, because a good conscience supports them, and a blessed and joyful end awaits them.

Now, since the happiness of the present life consists chiefly of two parts, honor and conveniences, he contrasts these with two evils: toils and reproach. By these terms, he refers to inconveniences and annoyances of every kind, such as poverty, cold, nakedness, hunger, banishments, plunderings, imprisonments, scourgings, and other persecutions.

We have hope fixed on the living God. This consolation refers to the cause. For we are so far from being miserable when we suffer on account of righteousness that it is, instead, a just ground for thanksgiving. Besides, our afflictions are accompanied by hope in the living God; and, what is more, hope may be regarded as the foundation. But it never makes ashamed (Romans 5:5), and therefore everything that happens to the godly ought to be reckoned as gain.

Who is the Savior. This is the second consolation, though it depends on the former, for the deliverance of which he speaks may be viewed as the fruit of hope. To make this clearer, it should be understood that this is an argument drawn from the less to the greater, for the word σωτὴρ is here a general term and denotes one who defends and preserves.

He means that the kindness of God extends to all people. And if there is no one who does not feel the goodness of God toward them, and who is not a partaker of it, how much more will it be experienced by the godly, who hope in him? Will he not take special care of them? Will he not more freely pour out his bounty on them? In a word, will he not, in every respect, keep them safe to the end?