1 Timothy 4:10 – Paul’s mission statement

Faithful is the saying and worthy of all welcome. For for this are we toiling and being reproached, that we rely on the living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of believers.

The above words deserve special attention. Solemnly and with great emphasis, Paul introduces his ‘mission statement’ of verse 10. It explains in clear language what he is all about in his work. “For for this are we toiling and being reproached” The Greek word behind ‘are we toiling’ is textually controversial. Other manuscripts read: ‘we are being reproached. In practice, the difference is less great than it seems because resistance is suggested in both cases. Paul was reviled for the testimony he bore and therefore it caused him much conflict.

What is the faithful saying? And what word is worthy of all welcome? What did Paul labor for? What was the reason for his hard struggle? In other words: why was he reviled? Listen to his own answer to this: “because we rely on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.” Paul’s message is very well-founded because he does not place his hope in people but in none other than the living GOD himself!

Delen: