I Timothy 4:10 and Universal Reconciliation
Posted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 5:49 pm
It is highly likely that this verse has been discussed before in one or many of the universalism threads on this forum. But, quite frankly, I didn't have the patience to read through the threads. So, I am bringing it up here. If one of you recalls discussing this verse elsewhere, perhaps you cant point me to the thread(s). I came across this verse yesterday and I guess I really never read it that closely before.
Anyways, here is I Tim 4:10 in various versions:
The big question, I suppose, is whether the word "potential" is implied (but not stated) before the word "Savior."
Of course I invite both the UR people here and the non-UR people to comment on this verse.
Thanks!
TK
Anyways, here is I Tim 4:10 in various versions:
In these verses, "believers" seem to be a subset of "all men" or "all people." In other words, this verse SEEMS to say that God is the Savior of all men, (which would seem to include unbelievers) but that believers reap some special benefit by virtue of their belief.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. (NKJV)
(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. (NIV)
For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. (NASB)
With a view to this we toil and strive, [yes and] suffer reproach, because we have [fixed our] hope on the living God, Who is the Savior (Preserver, Maintainer, Deliverer) of all men, especially of those who believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere to Him). (AMP)
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (ESV)
This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. (NLT)
This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers. (MSG)
The big question, I suppose, is whether the word "potential" is implied (but not stated) before the word "Savior."
Of course I invite both the UR people here and the non-UR people to comment on this verse.
Thanks!
TK