📖 Biblical Definition
Five sayings in the Pastoral Epistles introduced by the formula this is a faithful saying (Greek pistos ho logos), likely circulating apostolic-era confessional formulas that Paul adopted into his letters as established summaries of Christian truth. The five: (1) 1 Tim 1:15 — This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (2) 1 Tim 3:1 — This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (3) 1 Tim 4:9 — (in context with 4:8's godliness-vs-bodily-exercise contrast). (4) 2 Tim 2:11-13 — It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him... (5) Titus 3:8 — (with the immediately preceding regeneration-through-the-Holy-Ghost passage). The formula testifies that early Christian theology had crystallized into memorable summary-statements within a few decades of the resurrection.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Apostolic-era confessional formulas in the Pastorals.
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Five sayings in the Pastoral Epistles introduced by 'this is a faithful saying' (Greek pistos ho logos) — likely circulating apostolic-era confessional formulas Paul commends as trustworthy: that Christ Jesus came to save sinners (1 Tim 1:15); that to desire the bishop's office is to desire a good work (3:1); that godliness is profitable (4:9); that if we died with Him we shall live with Him (2 Tim 2:11); that good works should be maintained (Titus 3:8).
📖 Key Scripture
1 Timothy 1:15 — "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
1 Timothy 4:9-10 — "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God."
2 Timothy 2:11 — "It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Read past as filler; missing the recognition that Paul is citing five distinct apostolic-era confessions.
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When Paul says 'this is a faithful saying,' he is not warming up — he is citing. Five times in the Pastorals. Each citation is a snapshot of early Christian confession. Read them as the apostolic doctrinal core.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek pistos ho logos.
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['Greek', 'G4103', 'pistos', 'faithful, trustworthy']
['Greek', 'G3056', 'logos', 'word, saying']
Usage
"Five faithful sayings; learn all five."
"They are apostolic confessions."