1 Timothy6

The chapter begins by instructing servants to honor their masters, whether believing or not, to prevent blasphemy against God's doctrine. It warns against false teachers who equate godliness with material gain, advocating instead for godliness with contentment as true wealth. The text strongly cautions against the love of money, identifying it as the root of all evil, leading to destruction. Timothy is exhorted to flee these worldly desires, pursue righteousness, and faithfully guard the truth entrusted to him.
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Instructions to Slaves and Masters

1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. ​
2
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. ​

Warning Against False Teachers

3
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; ​
4
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, ​
5
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. ​

Godliness and Contentment

6
But godliness with contentment is great gain. ​
7
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. ​
8
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. ​
10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. ​

Timothy’s Personal Charge

11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. ​
12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. ​
13
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; ​
14
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: ​
15
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; ​
16
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. ​

Instructions for the Rich

17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; ​
18
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ​
19
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. ​

Final Exhortation and Benediction

20
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: ​
21
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Study Notes for 1 Timothy 6

Verse 1

In the Roman world, slavery was a social reality. Paul instructs Christian slaves to act honorably toward their masters, even non-believers, so that the gospel message is not discredited or blasphemed by poor conduct.

Verse 2

When the master is a believer, the slave must not exploit the 'brotherhood' relationship to avoid service. Instead, they should serve diligently, recognizing that their service benefits fellow believers.

Verse 3

Paul defines false teaching not just by content, but by its opposition to 'wholesome words' (sound doctrine) and the practical piety ('godliness') taught by Christ.

Verse 4

False teachers are characterized by intellectual arrogance and a preoccupation with useless, contentious speculation ('questions and strifes of words') that lead only to division and moral decay.

Verse 5

The core motivation of these heretics is financial exploitation. They engage in ministry not for truth or devotion, but 'supposing that gain is godliness,' confusing spiritual purpose with material profit.

Verse 6

This verse presents the true source of wealth: spiritual devotion combined with satisfaction in one’s circumstances. True 'gain' is not material, but spiritual and psychological peace.

Verse 7

A theological basis for contentment, rooted in mortality. Since material goods are temporary and cannot be taken into eternity, attachment to them is futile.

Verse 9

The danger lies in the *desire* ('will to be rich') rather than wealth itself. This intense covetousness leads to moral compromise, tempting the believer into destructive actions.

Verse 10

This famous statement identifies the *love* of money (greed, covetousness) as 'the root of all evil'—meaning, the source of every kind of moral and spiritual ruin. This desire leads believers away from faith and causes deep emotional pain.

Verse 11

'Man of God' is a title used in the Old Testament for prophets and spiritual leaders, emphasizing Timothy’s high calling and moral responsibility to flee corruption and pursue Christ-like virtues.

Verse 12

'Fight the good fight of faith' uses athletic imagery (agonizomai), urging Timothy to strive intensely in his ministry and personal life to secure the eternal reward to which he was called.

Verse 13

Paul heightens the solemnity of the charge by invoking God and Christ as witnesses. Christ’s 'good confession' before Pilate (John 18:37) serves as the model for Timothy’s own fearless testimony.

Verse 14

Timothy is charged to uphold his duties faithfully until the Parousia (the second coming of Christ), underscoring the enduring nature of his pastoral responsibilities.

Verse 15

Paul breaks into a magnificent doxology (a statement of praise) stressing the absolute sovereignty and power of God, who alone determines the timing of Christ’s return.

Verse 16

This verse emphasizes God’s transcendent and inaccessible nature ('dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto'), contrasting the absolute immortality of God with the fleeting nature of human life.

Verse 17

Paul addresses the wealthy members of the Ephesian church, warning them against two dangers: arrogance ('highmindedness') and misplaced security in unstable material wealth. Their trust must be in God’s provision.

Verse 18

The antidote to the dangers of wealth is practical Christian stewardship. The rich must actively pursue generosity, charity, and sharing as their primary 'good works.'

Verse 19

By using their earthly wealth generously, they are investing in their eternal future, 'laying up in store' spiritual capital that secures their true hold on eternal life.

Verse 20

'Keep that which is committed to thy trust' (the 'deposit' or parathēkē) refers to the apostolic gospel tradition and sound doctrine Timothy received. He must guard this truth against 'science falsely so called' (gnōsis pseudōnymos), a reference to destructive, speculative heresies.

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