1 Timothy 4:10 is translated similarly by virtually every major English translation in speaking of God as “the Savior of all men, especially believers,” making the verse a strong proof text for unlimited atonement and God’s saving intention toward all, summing up the the principle that God has provided for the salvation of all through Christ’s death and genuinely makes salvation available to all (the Savior of all men), but only saves those who believe (especially believers). But some assert that the Greek word normally translated “especially” (μάλιστα) can mean “that is, namely,” and does in 1 Tim 4:10. That would essentially reduce the part of the passage in question to merely saying that God is the savior of believers, contributing no support to unlimited atonement and lessening support for it beyond 1 Tim 4:10 by providing evidence that “all men/people” can be used to refer to believers only. In this article, a Calvinist scholar argues that the evidence for μάλιστα ever meaning “that is, namely” is weak, and that the traditional rendering of the word is correct.
Please click on the attachment to view Vern Sheridan Poythress, “THE MEANING OF μάλιστα IN 2 TIMOTHY 4:13 AND RELATED VERSES” Journal of Theological Studies, NS, Vol. 53, Pt. 2, October 2002, 523-32.
