| Geneva Study Bible Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. People's New Testament 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved. The Scriptures uniformly represent it as the divine will that all should come to life. But he does not will to save men irrespective of the conditions of salvation. They must, in order to be saved, come unto a knowledge of the truth. In other words, must hear, receive, and obey the gospel. Wesley's Notes 2:4 Who willeth seriously all men - Not a part only, much less the smallest part. To be saved - Eternally. This is treated of, 1Ti 2:5,6. And, in order thereto, to come - They are not compelled. To the knowledge of the truth - Which brings salvation. This is treated of, 1Ti 2:6,7. Scofield Reference Notes Margin saved See Scofield Note: "Rom 1:16". Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 4. "Imitate God." Since He wishes that all should be saved, do you also wish it; and if you wish it, pray for it. For prayer is the instrument of effecting such things [Chrysostom]. Paul does not say, "He wishes to save all"; for then he would have saved all in matter of fact; but "will have all men to be saved," implies the possibility of man's accepting it (through God's prevenient grace) or rejecting it (through man's own perversity). Our prayers ought to include all, as God's grace included all. to come-They are not forced. unto the knowledge-Greek, "the full knowledge" or "recognition" (See on [2467]1Co 13:12; Php 1:9). the truth-the saving truth as it is in, and by, Jesus (Joh 17:3, 17). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 2:1-7 The disciples of Christ must be praying people; all, without distinction of nation, sect, rank, or party. Our duty as Christians, is summed up in two words; godliness, that is, the right worshipping of God; and honesty, that is, good conduct toward all men. These must go together: we are not truly honest, if we are not godly, and do not render to God his due; and we are not truly godly, if not honest. What is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, we should abound in. There is one Mediator, and that Mediator gave himself a ransom for all. And this appointment has been made for the benefit of the Jews and the Gentiles of every nation; that all who are willing may come in this way, to the mercy-seat of a pardoning God, to seek reconciliation with him. Sin had made a quarrel between us and God; Jesus Christ is the Mediator who makes peace. He is a ransom that was to be known in due time. In the Old Testament times, his sufferings, and the glory that should follow, were spoken of as things to be revealed in the last times. Those who are saved must come to the knowledge of the truth, for that is God's appointed way to save sinners: if we do not know the truth, we cannot be ruled by it. | 
