Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Timothy 4:10

10 For therefore we boeh labour, and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God c, who is the Saviour of all men , specially of those that believe .

the Saviour, that is the preserver of all men, the preserver of man and beast, as the Psalmist speaketh.

Is in a more especial manner the Saviour of those that believe, Psal. 33 18, 19. This seemeth rather to be the sense of the Text, then to understand it of Eternal Salvation, for so God is not the actual Saviour of all, besides that the Text seemeth to speak of a work proper to the Father, rather than to the Son.

If we did not believe this as a faithful saying, that Godliness is profitable for all things, and trust in God, who liveth for ever to see to the fulfilling of it, to what purpose should we labour and suffer reproach as we do; labouring in the work of God, suffering reproach in the cause of God, and for living Godly lives, worshipping God according to his Will, and denying our selves in sensual satisfactions, and sensible injoyments, that we might fulfil the Law of Christ. Obj. But will some say how then is Godliness profitable for all things, how doth the faithfulness of the promises for this life annexed to Godliness appear, if those that profess it must labour, and suffer reproach? Sol. Labour for God is a reward to it self; our honour, not our burden, his service is perfect freedom, the promise of this Life, annexed to Godliness, are not promises of sensual rest and ease, but of inward peace, satisfaction and support of other things, only with a reserve to the Divine Wisdom and Judgment, so far forth, as our Heavenly Father shall see it fit for his Glory and our Good; yet they are not vain for God who is

Marginal references: Psa. 36.6. & 107.2.10, &c.