Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance…
Summary: In this verse, Paul introduces us to the concept of a “trustworthy saying.” Before examining the saying itself, it is helpful to consider the concept of a “saying” and think about why that would be important.
Paul has a problem: Like the rest of us, he is limited to being in one place at a time. Unlike most of us, however, he needs to be everywhere all at once.
Paul’s mission, as described by Jesus, is to be God’s “chosen instrument to proclaim [Jesus’] name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15).
The result of Paul’s effort is seen in the number of churches that formed as a result of his work. With each church came challenges.
If Paul couldn’t be everywhere at once, he could, at least, send letters or emissaries. Timothy and Titus were two of Paul’s most trusted emissaries. More than disciples, Timothy and Titus were granted authority under Paul to teach others about Jesus and “command” that the true Gospel be adhered to (1 Timothy 1:3).
Keep in mind that the New Testament had not been written yet. There was no written record of instructions for Christians like there was for the Old Testament. Paul, chosen by Jesus to be his “chosen instrument,” was the primary means God used to teach us about life in Christ.
To help ensure Timothy and Titus were being consistent in their teachings, Paul gave them “trustworthy sayings.” In all, there are five. Each one touches on a different aspect of life in Christ. Topics include: personal salvation (1 Timothy 1:15), church leadership (1 Timothy 3:1), godly living (1 Timothy 4:8-9), perseverance in faith (2 Timothy 2:11-13), and grace-driven transformation (Titus 3:3-8).
The word “trustworthy” is translated from “pistós.” The Greek “pistós” can also be translated as meaning “faithful,” “sure,” and “true.”
True …
Perhaps that is a good way look at the word Paul chose. This saying is truth.
By giving Timothy and Titus “sayings,” he was giving them a fixed set of words. Once a saying is said, it is like carving words in stone. They are not to be messed with. Changing words, or even the order of the words, changes the meaning. A “trustworthy saying” is trustworthy because it reflects God’s unchanging nature (Hebrews 6:17, 13:8).
Application: Consider memorizing the five trustworthy sayings.
Food for Thought: If you were in Timothy’s shoes, how would a “trustworthy saying” be helpful?
*”G4103 – pistos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 10 Feb, 2026. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4103/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.
If I were in Timothy’s shoes, I would have his shoes, but probably not his ability to speak well publicly during informal, spontaneous conversations. A “trustworthy saying” would be helpful to prepare me, point me in the right direction or keep me on point, and would be helpful in conjunction with supporting Scripture. It would also be helpful in times of reflection, during or after spiritual attack, or when I need encouragement.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
1 Peter 3:15 Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
Thank you, Chris!
I appreciate how you framed your response around how Paul’s “sayings” help keep us “on point.” That is extremely helpful.
I hope if I were Timothy, I would treasure the help of the trustworthy saying and fully accept it. My bet is that he did.
It is likely Timothy accepted these letters from Paul as the Holy Spirit inspired word of God. After all, it appears that Peter did.
2 Peter 3: 15 – 16: Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
Thank you, Rich!
I like how you point us to Peter’s reference to Paul’s letters. Clearly he knew about “all his letters.” Very helpful!
1 Timothy 1:15 speaks to me in that my salvation is set in stone with no contingencies. Knowing that I’m the worst sinner doesn’t affect that salvation or God’s grace for me.
Amen, Tim.
Very well said! We can never forget Christ’s work on the cross or how he offers all people salvation.