Strong’s Greek 594 denotes the wholehearted reception given to a statement proven to be reliable. In the New Testament it is reserved for a single formula used twice in Paul’s first letter to Timothy. The term captures an attitude of ready embrace, not mere intellectual assent, toward gospel truth.

Usage in the Pastoral Epistles

Paul twice employs the expression “trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance” (1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 4:9). In both occurrences the noun highlights the proper response Timothy’s congregation is to give to apostolic teaching: they must receive it without reservation. The pair of verses frame two core affirmations:
• 1 Timothy 1:15—The mission of Jesus Christ to “save sinners.”
• 1 Timothy 4:9—The sure hope “set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10).

In each setting Paul links doctrinal certainty to pastoral duty, urging Timothy to combat error by reminding believers that these truths have universal, settled authority.

Doctrinal Significance

1. Christ-centered redemption: By calling the gospel proclamation “worthy of full acceptance,” Paul excludes any competing path to salvation.
2. Reliability of apostolic teaching: The phrase underscores that the apostolic message is inherently trustworthy; it does not await external validation.
3. Total-person response: The noun implies reception that engages mind, heart, and will, a pattern echoed in Acts 2:41 where those who “gladly received” Peter’s word were baptized.

Historical Reception in the Early Church

Early Christian writers frequently cited these “trustworthy sayings” when summarizing essential doctrine for catechumens. The concise formula functioned as a liturgical refrain, shaping confessions and creeds that later crystallized at Nicea and Chalcedon. Because ἀποδοχή stresses complete acceptance, the Fathers viewed half-hearted adherence as tantamount to unbelief.

Implications for Preaching and Teaching

• Authority: When Scripture labels a saying “worthy of full acceptance,” the preacher can declare it with confidence, free from speculation or apology.
• Universality: The same full acceptance expected in Ephesus applies in every cultural context, anchoring missions and evangelism.
• Discernment: The congregation learns to distinguish divine certainties from human conjectures, guarding against the “myths and endless genealogies” Paul warns about (1 Timothy 1:4).

Pastoral Applications

1. Catechesis: Use the two trustworthy sayings as memory verses that summarize salvation and hope.
2. Counseling: When believers doubt their standing, point them to the sure promise that Christ “came into the world to save sinners.”
3. Church discipline: Measure doctrine and practice by what the Spirit has marked as fully acceptable, fostering unity around essentials.

Related Biblical Themes

Acceptance of the gospel—Acts 8:14; Acts 11:1

Trustworthy word—Titus 3:8

Receiving the kingdom like a child—Mark 10:15

Holding fast the faithful word—Titus 1:9