1 Timothy 4:9
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
1 Timothy 4:9
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation” serves as a rhetorical marker in Paul’s letter, signaling a core truth that deserves universal assent. In a letter saturated with practical exhortations, such a formula assures readers that the following statement is trustworthy and central to Christian faith. The context is pastoral: Timothy must teach with authority drawn from apostolic teaching, insisting that the gospel’s truth is not optional opinion but fundamental reality for all believers. The phrase indicates an invitation to embrace the gospel with conviction, not skepticism, and to place confidence in its claims about salvation, the coming kingdom, and the character of God.
The core theological takeaway is the trustworthiness of the gospel message. It reinforces the reliability of Christian truth—what God has revealed through Christ and the apostles is dependable and worthy of wholehearted belief. This sets the stage for the exhortations that follow, grounding them in a confident, shared confession. It also underlines the authority of Scripture as the standard for faith and practice, inviting communal assent and unity around the core good news.
For modern readers, this verse invites humility and openness: believers are called to anchor their convictions in Scripture and apostolic teaching rather than cultural consensus. It encourages pastors and teachers to present the gospel with clarity and to invite people into trust and obedience. In personal life, cling to the truth of the gospel—even when it challenges preferred interpretations or lifestyle choices—and allow it to shape decisions about relationships, work, and ethics. When doubts arise, return to the foundational truths that are “worthy of all acceptation.”
Cross-References: 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3; Titus 3:8; Colossians 1:23