This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach. (1Ti. 4:9-11)
This must be a very important passage to warrant such a powerful introduction and closing. Paul exhorts us to view these faithful words as worthy of all acceptance, and tells us to command and teach these truths. Understand the importance of this critical passage. If God is the Savior exclusively of those who believe during their earthly existence, as our tradition teaches, then this passage is clearly in error. The difference between “exclusively” and “especially” is paramount. To interchange these concepts is to contradict Scripture…(CONTINUED BELOW VIDEO)
What does “especially of those who believe” mean? The immediate context sheds much light: “Set the believers an example….practice these duties….so that all may see your progress. Take heed to yourself and teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1Ti. 4:12-16 RSV).
Is this salvation by works? No, it is “working out” salvation (Ph. 2:12). God’s purpose in salvation is not to save us in our sins (Mt. 1:21), but from them. Christ saves us from our sinful nature and transforms us into His image (Ga. 4:19) so we may shine as lights in the world (Mt. 5:13-16). Thus, believers are “especially” saved because they have been justified by faith, and are presently working out their salvation as God empowers them (Ph. 2:13). Their salvation is being perfected (made complete) for all to see (1Ti. 4:15-16).
None of this changes the fact that God is still the Savior of those who do not yet believe. Once His righteous, just, and purpose-driven judgments have run their course, death will be destroyed, all will be made alive, and all will be subjected to Christ. Then God will be all in all (1Co. 15:22-28). He is, in an ultimate sense, the Savior of all men, (unbelievers and believers) but especially, at present, of believers.
The Greek word “especially,” is malista. Could it also mean “exclusively”? The only way to know is to observe how it is used in Scripture. This is a good example of how useful The Word Study Concordance can be. Malista occurs twelve times. As you read these references, try substituting the word “exclusively” and see how it fits.
• They…fell on Paul’s neck sorrowing most of all [malista] for the words which he spoke (Ac. 20:38).
• I have brought him out before you all and especially [malista] before you King Agrippa (Ac. 25:26).
• Agrippa…especially [malista] because you are an expert (Ac. 26:2-3).
• Let us do good to all, especially [malista] to those who are of the household of faith (Ga. 6:9-10).
• All the saints greet you, but especially [malista] those who are of Caesar’s household (Ph. 4:20-23).
• If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially [malista] for those of his household, he has denied the faith… (1Ti. 5:3-8).
• Elders be counted worthy of double honor, especially [malista] those who labor in the word and doctrine (1Ti. 5:16-18).
• Bring the cloak…and the books, especially [malista] the parchments (2Ti. 4:13).
• There are many…deceivers, especially [malista] those of the circumcision… (Tit. 1:10-11).
• But more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially [malista] to me but how much more to you (Phil. 16).
• Reserve…for the day of judgment, and especially [malista] those who walk according to the flesh (2Pe. 2:9-11).
Can we substitute the idea of “exclusively” for “especially” in any of these malista passages? No! Nor do we have grammatical or contextual grounds to do so in 1Ti. 4:10. Compare this passage with Ga. 6:10: “…let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. ”Can we neglect doing good to unbelievers? Of course not! Neither can we deny that God is the savior of all men. But to the contrary, we are commanded to teach this very thing!
– Gerry Beauchemin
