Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Timothy 4:9
This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
9. This is a faithful saying ] R.V. again, Faithful is the saying, following the Greek construction. But ‘It is a faithful saying,’ is equally correct according to English idiom. The A.V. and R.V. end the verse with a full stop, leaving us apparently little liberty to make 1Ti 4:10 the ‘faithful saying.’ On the other hand A.V. (Parallel N.T.) gives a colon; and Drs Westcott and Hort alter the colon into a comma, as Conybeare gives it, Faithful is the saying and worthy of all acceptance, ‘ For to this end we endure labour &c.’ Bp Ellicott’s objection to this, that the ‘for’ must be the Apostle’s and not part of the quotation, is set aside by the undoubted quotation from Aratus made by St Paul on Mars’ hill, Act 17:28, ‘For we are also his offspring:’ see the beginning of his Phaenomena:
‘We need him all,
For we are e’en his offspring.’
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
This is a faithful saying – see the notes on 1Ti 1:15.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 9. This is a faithful saying] The truth of this doctrine none need doubt; and every man has it in his power to put this to the proof. See note on 1Ti 1:15.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
This saying about the advantage of godliness is true, and worthy to be received of all men. See the notes on 1Ti 1:15, where the same words are applied to the great proposition of the gospel: That Christ came into the world to save sinners. That Christ came into the world to save sinners, and that such sinners as from ungodly will become godly, and persevere in the practice of godliness, shall be happy in this life, and saved in the life to come, are two faithful and remarkable sayings, worthy the acceptation of all reasonable creatures.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
9. (1Ti1:15). This verse (Greek), “faithful is the saying, “&c. confirms the assertion as to the “promise” attachedto “godliness,” 1Ti 4:8,and forms a prefatory introduction to 1Ti4:10, which is joined to 1Ti 4:9by “For.” So 2Ti 2:11.Godly men seem to suffer loss as to this life: Paul hereby refutesthe notion [BENGEL]. “Godis the Saviour specially of those that believe” (1Ti4:10), both as to “the life that now is,” and also asto “the life which is to come” (1Ti4:8).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
This is a faithful saying,…. A true one, and to be believed, that godliness has such promises annexed to it; see 1Pe 3:10.
and worthy of all acceptation; by all godly persons, to encourage them to the exercise of godliness.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
See 1:15 for these very words, but here the phrase points to the preceding words, not to the following as there.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “This is a faithful saying” (pistos ho logos) “Faithful is the word,” or trustworthy. The teaching of verse 8 is the word. And the word of every matter is true, from the beginning, Psa 119:160; 2Ti 3:16-17.
2) “And worthy of all acceptation.” (kai pases apodoches haksios) “And meritorious, worthy, or deserving of acceptation of all,” men and angels. Each who has ears to hear should hear, Luk 14:35; Act 3:22-23; Rom 10:17; 1Ti 1:15. That Christ Jesus came to save the souls and lives of men, these passages affirm.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
9 This is a faithful saying He now sets down, at the conclusion of the argument, what he stated twice at the beginning of it; and he appears to do so expressly, because he will immediately subjoin the contrary objection. Yet it is not without good reason that he employs so strong an assertion; for it is a paradox strongly at variance with the feeling of the flesh, that God supplies his people, in this world, with everything that is necessary for a happy and joyful life; since they are often destitute of all good things, and, on that account, appear to be forsaken by God. Accordingly, not satisfied with the simple doctrine, he wards off all opposing temptations by this shield, and in this manner instructs believers to open the door to the grace of God, which our unbelief shuts out; for, undoubtedly if we were willing to receive God’s benefits, (75) he would use greater liberality toward us.
(75) “ Si les benefices de Dieu trouvoyent entree a nous, et que nous fussion disposez a les recevoir.” — “If God’s benefits found admission to us, and if we were disposed to receive them.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(9) This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.Again we have the striking formula which always calls attention to some great truth which, in the Church of the first days, had already obtained among the congregations a broad, if not a universal currency, as one of the great watchwords of the faith. Now we find one of these taken apparently from a Christian hymn, now from one of the public prayers or thanksgivings. The faithful saying, in this instance, was that godliness, that is, active, living piety, is profitable for all things, seeing it has the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
9. This The value of godliness for either life. Note on 1Ti 1:15.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptance,’
Paul now comes to his third ‘faithful saying’, and the second that is worthy of all acceptance. The first pointed to the fact that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, which was worthy of all acceptance (1Ti 1:15). The second declared that he who sought to be an overseer over the church of God sought a good work (1Ti 3:1). The third declares that we must labour and strive after godliness because we have our heart set on the living God, so that we might enjoy His full salvation. And this too is worthy of all acceptance.
The phrase has previously always preceded the saying referred to, and we must therefore assume that it is the same here. Note the change in 1Ti 4:10 from ‘you’ to ‘we’ which may be seen as serving to confirm this, although it is not precisely so for here the saying in 1Ti 4:10 leans on what is said in 1Ti 4:8. The ‘end’ described is the same as that already mentioned in 1Ti 4:8.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Ti 4:9. This is a faithful saying, St. Paul has used this expression four times; 1Ti 1:15. 2Ti 2:11. Tit 3:8 and here. They were all matters of certain truth and great importance; and the apostle used the expression to call up men’s attention to them, as things of great consequence. Concerning the most important of them, he has added as here, that they are worthy of universal acceptation. The interesting truth particularly to which he here calls upon all men to attend, is, That Godliness is profitable, &c. The three grand principles of religion are, 1 a God, a Providence,2 a Christ, a Mediator,and, 3 a Future State. Without these, religion could not subsist; and the apostle, in the next verse, plainly intimates, that these principles were his support under afflictions, animating him to zeal and diligence in active service.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Ti 4:9 serves to strengthen the expression immediately preceding (not the thought in 1Ti 3:16 , against Heinrichs), whereas in 1Ti 1:15 (comp. also 1Ti 3:1 ) the same words refer to what follows. The in 1Ti 4:10 prevents us from connecting them with what comes next. It is no less unsuitable to refer them, as Hofmann does, to the following, and to regard as a parenthesis. This connection is opposed not only by the harshness of the construction, but also by the consideration that, as a matter of fact, the conduct of the Christian, viz. . . ., needed for Timothy no such confirmation as is given in these words. [162]
[162] This difficulty is concealed in Hofmann by laying the emphasis on , so that . . . is to refer to the thought that God is a living God.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
Ver. 9. This is a faithful saying ] And yet who hath believed our report? The promises are good freehold, and yet little looked after. Godliness hath but cold entertainment, because she lives much upon reversions.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
9 .] Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation (see on ch. 1Ti 1:15 . The words refer to what follows , not as Heinr. to ch. 1Ti 3:16 , nor as De W., Huther, Wies., al., to what went immediately before: see on below. The connexion is with . Piety has the promise of that life attached to it, according to the well-known Christian saying which follows. Otherwise 1Ti 4:10 comes in disjointedly and unaccountably): for ( is introduced from a mixture of two constructions, rendering a reason for , as if had not been inserted. We have the same construction in 2Ti 2:11 , where Huther, though he regards the as decisive against it here, refers the to what follows) to this end (viz. the implied in that which follows, introduced by , as in reff.: thus alone can the saying as a cohere together: and so Thdrt., Thl., Beza, Grot., Beng., Mosh., Wegsch., Leo, Wahl: not, as De W., Huther, Ellic., al., for the obtaining of the promise mentioned above (De W. claims Thdrt. and Bengel for this meaning, but wrongly: the former says, , &c. ; . , . . .; and the latter, ‘hoc nomine, hoc fine, hac spe,’ referring to )) we (Christians in general) [ both ] toil (more than labour ( ): it gives the idea of ‘toil and moil:’ see reff.) and suffer reproach (climax: we might toil and be had in honour, but as it is, we have both fatigue and shame to bear. The reading is very strongly supported, but appears to have been introduced from Col 1:29 ), because we have fixed our hope (the same perfect occurs Joh 5:45 ; 2Co 1:10 ; ch. 1Ti 5:5 , 1Ti 6:17 ; it refers to the time when the strong resolve and waiting began, and to its endurance since that time) on (for construction see reff., and Ellicott’s note here. Thus in Polyb. i. 12. 6, ) the living (inserted for emphasis and solemnity, to bring out the fact that the God in whom we trust is a veritable personal agent, not a creature of the imagination) God, who is the Saviour of all men (cf. ch. 1Ti 2:4 ; Tit 2:11 ; His will is that all men should be saved, and He has made full and sufficient provision for the salvation of all: so that, as far as salvation stands in Him, He is the Saviour of all men. And it is in virtue of this universality of salvation offered by God, that we have rested our hopes on Him and become ), especially them that believe (in these alone does that universal salvation, which God has provided, become actual. He is the same towards and of all: but these alone appropriate His . Bengel rightly observes, ‘Latet nervus argumenti a minori ad majus:’ but he applies the to this life , and to the life to come. So also Chrys.: , . But this does not seem to suit the context, nor the higher sense to which is every where in the N. T. confined, and most especially in these Epistles, where it occurs very frequently. The true ‘argumentum a minori ad majus’ lies in this “if God be thus willing for all to be saved, how much more shall he save them that put their trust in Him.” For the expression, see reff., and especially Gal 6:10 ).
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Ti 4:9 . : This is parenthetical and retrospective. The teaching of 1Ti 4:8 is the . So Chrys.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
faithful, &c. See 1Ti 1:15.
and. Omit.
acceptation. See 1Ti 1:15.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
9.] Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation (see on ch. 1Ti 1:15. The words refer to what follows, not as Heinr. to ch. 1Ti 3:16, nor as De W., Huther, Wies., al., to what went immediately before: see on below. The connexion is with . Piety has the promise of that life attached to it, according to the well-known Christian saying which follows. Otherwise 1Ti 4:10 comes in disjointedly and unaccountably): for ( is introduced from a mixture of two constructions, rendering a reason for , as if had not been inserted. We have the same construction in 2Ti 2:11, where Huther, though he regards the as decisive against it here, refers the to what follows) to this end (viz. the implied in that which follows, introduced by ,-as in reff.: thus alone can the saying as a cohere together: and so Thdrt., Thl., Beza, Grot., Beng., Mosh., Wegsch., Leo, Wahl:-not, as De W., Huther, Ellic., al., for the obtaining of the promise mentioned above (De W. claims Thdrt. and Bengel for this meaning, but wrongly: the former says, , &c. ; . , …; and the latter, hoc nomine, hoc fine, hac spe, referring to )) we (Christians in general) [both] toil (more than labour (): it gives the idea of toil and moil: see reff.) and suffer reproach (climax: we might toil and be had in honour, but as it is, we have both fatigue and shame to bear. The reading is very strongly supported, but appears to have been introduced from Col 1:29), because we have fixed our hope (the same perfect occurs Joh 5:45; 2Co 1:10; ch. 1Ti 5:5, 1Ti 6:17; it refers to the time when the strong resolve and waiting began, and to its endurance since that time) on (for construction see reff., and Ellicotts note here. Thus in Polyb. i. 12. 6, ) the living (inserted for emphasis and solemnity, to bring out the fact that the God in whom we trust is a veritable personal agent, not a creature of the imagination) God, who is the Saviour of all men (cf. ch. 1Ti 2:4; Tit 2:11; His will is that all men should be saved, and He has made full and sufficient provision for the salvation of all: so that, as far as salvation stands in Him, He is the Saviour of all men. And it is in virtue of this universality of salvation offered by God, that we have rested our hopes on Him and become ), especially them that believe (in these alone does that universal salvation, which God has provided, become actual. He is the same towards and of all: but these alone appropriate His . Bengel rightly observes, Latet nervus argumenti a minori ad majus: but he applies the to this life, and to the life to come. So also Chrys.: , . But this does not seem to suit the context, nor the higher sense to which is every where in the N. T. confined, and most especially in these Epistles, where it occurs very frequently. The true argumentum a minori ad majus lies in this-if God be thus willing for all to be saved, how much more shall he save them that put their trust in Him. For the expression, see reff., and especially Gal 6:10).
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Ti 4:9. , faithful) The following verse is joined to this short preface by the for, as in 2Ti 2:11. Godly men appear often to suffer loss with respect to the enjoyment of the present life. Paul refutes this notion.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Ti 4:9
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.-Paul emphasizes that this truth is a faithful saying and worthy of a full and hearty acceptance by all. It will bring good to all who follow this instruction.
1Ti 4:10
For to this end we labor and strive,-He explains that the practice and exercise in godliness that led him to toil and labor and suffer reproach for the cause of God would fit him for the glories of the eternal world.
because we have our hope set on the living God,-He did it because he trusted that the living God would bring blessings both in this world and in that which is to come.
who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.-The law of the Lord meets all the contingencies possible to arise in life. It meets every special case that arises, and in its working reaches every case as fully as God can reach it by special law or interference. God is always present in his laws. What is done through these laws, God does. Those who believe come more fully into harmony with his laws than those who believe not, and so they receive blessings of God more fully than others do. The answer to prayer requires no departure from this principle. The blessings of God flow through his laws to those who are in the proper state and condition. Tap the channel through which they flow and receive just such blessings as you are fitted to receive. God is personally present in all his laws to bless those who comply with them in spirit and in truth, and to curse those who refuse to comply with them. God is all-wise and all-powerful. He sees the end from the beginning. Eternity, past and future, is an everlasting present to him, and he provides for all contingencies that may arise in the onward march of his forces. Not a sparrow falls to the ground without a fathers care and the hairs of our head are numbered. Because we fail to see and understand how the laws of the spiritual and material world interlace and harmonize with each other, all composing parts of one harmonious whole, we are not to conclude that they are not such. God is in all his works.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Take Heed to Thyself
1Ti 4:9-16
In all Christian service we must set our hope on the living God. Nothing counts apart from God. Prayer implies that all our gifts and efforts cover only a small part of our efficiency. There are infinite resources in God, which He is waiting to employ in human affairs, and of which we fail to make use. The Christian worker, therefore, must not only labor and strive, but must hope in the living God, whose saving grace is at the disposal of our faith. The faith exercised by the average man results in obtaining only natural things; the supernatural is secured by the faith of those who have made profounder discoveries of God, and can therefore make demands on His resources, which are hidden from the princes of this world.
In order to succeed, we must give ourselves wholly to our work for God. In answer to prayer great gifts had been communicated to Timothy, but he had to give heed to them, use them, and stir up the slumbering embers of the fire, kindled at his ordination. It is worthy of notice that the Apostles injunctions do not include a single allusion to priestly or sacramental service, but urge to boldness of character, 1Ti 4:12; diligent study, 1Ti 4:13; rigorous orthodoxy, 1Ti 4:16; and the daily self-watch of the soul, 1Ti 4:16. Take to heart the blessed assurance of the closing sentence of the chapter.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
1Ti 1:15
Reciprocal: 1Ti 3:1 – is a Tit 1:9 – fast Rev 19:9 – These
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ti 4:9. Faithful saying means that what Paul has been saying is true, and hence is worthy of being fully accepted. Of course, if a man does accept it wholeheartedly, he will regulate his life accordingly, and prepare himself for the greatest possible usefulness in this world, and for eternal happiness in the world to come.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Ti 4:9. This is a faithful saying. At first it might seem as if the words referred to what had immediately preceded, and it is possible that they do so here; but the rule in all other cases is that they precede the truth to which they refer, and the verse that follows is sufficiently axiomatic in its substance to have the character of a faithful saying.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Note, That this phrase of a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, used here, was used before, 1Ti 1:15. That Christ came into the world to save sinners.
Learn thence, That this proposition, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, and this, that such sinners as of ungodly will become godly, and persevere in the practice of godliness, shall be happy in the life that now is, and that which is to come; these two propositions are faithful and remarkable sayings, worthy of the acceptation of all reasonable creatures.
Note farther, that the belief of this proposition, that godliness has the promise of this and the next life, will cause all Christians, as it did St. Paul, to labour in the work of God, to suffer reproach in the cause of God, and this without weariness and fainting.
Note, lastly, The title given to Almighty God, The Saviour of all men; that is, the preserver of all men, but especially of all good men, when their temporal preservation conduces most to the advantage of his glory and their good: or if it be understood of eternal salvation, we must take it thus; that he publishes and proclains, offers and tenders, salvation to all men, although believers only are actually saved, because they only accept the offers and conditions of salvation.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
1Ti 4:9-11. This Concerning the advantage of godliness; is a faithful saying A saying as important as it is true; and worthy of all acceptation That is, of entire credit, and of the most earnest and continued attention and regard. For, therefore On this account, because we are assured of the excellence and necessity of this godliness, and of the advantages attending it in time and in eternity; we both labour and suffer reproach Take all manner of pains, and undergo all kinds of hardships, regarding neither wealth, nor honour, nor pleasure, nor any thing this world can offer; because we trust , we have trusted, and at present do trust, (the word denoting continuation of action,) in the living God Rest on him for the performance of his promises, fully persuaded he will give the life and felicity he has promised; who is the Saviour of all men Saving them from many evils, and supplying them with manifold mercies; preserving them in this life, and willing to save them eternally; but especially In a more eminent manner, is he the Saviour of those that believe Saving them from their sins here, and from the consequences of them hereafter. These things command and teach For they are of infinite importance.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1Ti 4:9 This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
“this is a faithful saying” This text seems to refer back to the preceding
“worthy of all acceptation” In short all of us should accept verses 7 & 8 and then do something about it. Not only should we accept them, so should the entire church.
How do we exercise unto godliness?
This is in contrast to physical exercise. Let’s look at physical exercise first.
1. You do more than just natural everyday things. If you walk around the block every evening then when you start exercising you walk around the block several times.
2. You do your exercise until you’re tired, then a little bit more.
3. You do it on a regular basis or it is worthless.
4. You discipline yourself to it. You force yourself to do it even when you don’t want to.
5. You look for and get results.
Quite often after months of forcing yourself you find that you enjoy it and look forward to it and promise yourself that you won’t miss it.
Now, Godly exercise is the same. We have to work at it – on a regular basis and we must discipline ourselves to it. We then see results.
We may even see the day that we enjoy it and look forward to improving our relationship to the Lord.
When is the last time you were physically exhausted from studying the Bible and prayer?
The above 5 should be true of each one of us every day.
Not only should we be profiting from godliness, we have good reason to seek it.
IIII. REASON FOR GODLINESS
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
4:9 {13} This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
(13) He goes a little from his matter, and shows that those who give themselves to godliness, even though they are afflicted and reproached, are nonetheless not to be considered miserable as other men are, because they are not afflicted for that reason that other men are, and the end of them both is far different one from the other. For how can God forsake his own, who is bountiful even towards his enemies? And he wishes that this doctrine is well learned by them.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The "trustworthy statement" Paul referred to here seems to have been what he had just said (1Ti 4:8). Several schools of philosophy in Paul’s day denigrated the excessive physical conditioning that many Greek young men practiced. [Note: Kelly, p. 100.] They believed the development of the inner man was more important. So perhaps this "trustworthy statement" was one that they had popularized. Paul agreed with this viewpoint whatever its source may have been.