1 Timothy 6:13

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

I give {G3853} thee {G4671} charge {G3853} in the sight {G1799} of God {G2316}, who {G3588} quickeneth {G2227} all things {G3956}, and {G2532} before Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}, who {G3588} before {G1909} Pontius {G4194} Pilate {G4091} witnessed {G3140} a good {G2570} confession {G3671};

Complete Jewish Bible

I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before the Messiah Yeshua, who in his witness to Pontius Pilate gave the same good testimony,

Berean Standard Bible

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:

American Standard Version

I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Timothy 6:13, the Apostle Paul delivers a solemn and weighty charge to his spiritual son, Timothy, placing him under the direct scrutiny of God, the ultimate Giver of life, and before Christ Jesus, the supreme example of unwavering truth. This verse serves as a profound commission, reminding Timothy of the immense responsibility and divine accountability inherent in his pastoral ministry, particularly as he is called to maintain a steadfast witness in a challenging environment, mirroring the perfect confession made by Christ Himself before Pontius Pilate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's concluding exhortations to Timothy in his first letter, a manual for pastoral leadership. Having addressed issues like false teaching, the pursuit of godliness, and the dangers of materialism in [1 Timothy 6:3-10](/1_timothy/6-3-10 "1 Timothy 6:3-10 - Warnings Against False Teaching and Love of Money"), Paul pivots to a direct and forceful command. The preceding verses ([1 Timothy 6:11-12](/1_timothy/6-11-12 "1 Timothy 6:11-12 - Paul's Exhortation to Timothy to Pursue Godliness")) call Timothy to "flee these things" and "fight the good fight of faith," emphasizing the active pursuit of righteousness. Verse 13 then grounds this call in the ultimate divine witnesses, setting the stage for the specific "commandment" Timothy is to keep "without spot, unrebukeable" ([1 Timothy 6:14](/1_timothy/6-14 "1 Timothy 6:14 - Keep the Commandment Spotless")). It underscores the gravity of the pastoral office and the integrity required of those who serve Christ.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy served as Paul's delegate in Ephesus, a prominent city known for its diverse religious practices, including the worship of Artemis, and its bustling commercial activity. This environment presented unique challenges for the nascent Christian community, including the infiltration of false doctrines and the pressure to compromise Christian distinctiveness. Paul's charge to Timothy reflects the demanding nature of early church leadership, which often involved confronting opposition, upholding sound doctrine, and modeling godly conduct in a hostile or indifferent world. The reference to Pontius Pilate evokes the Roman judicial system and the political pressures faced by those who stood for truth, a context familiar to both Paul and Timothy, and indeed, to all early Christians living under Roman rule.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 6:13](/1_timothy/6-13 "1 Timothy 6:13 - Paul's Charge to Timothy") contributes significantly to several major themes throughout the letter and broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Accountability**, emphasizing that all ministry and indeed all of life is lived "in the sight of God" ([1 Timothy 6:13](/1_timothy/6-13 "1 Timothy 6:13 - Paul's Charge to Timothy")), who is the ultimate authority and judge. Secondly, the phrase "who quickeneth all things" underscores God's **Sovereignty and Life-Giving Power**, reminding Timothy that the God who issues the charge is also the One who empowers and sustains. Thirdly, the verse presents **Christ as the Ultimate Exemplar of Faithful Witness**. Jesus' "good confession" before Pilate ([John 18:33-37](/john/18-33-37 "John 18:33-37 - Jesus Before Pilate")) serves as the paradigm for Timothy's own steadfastness in proclaiming the truth, even in the face of adversity. This theme of faithful witness is central to Paul's instructions for Christian living and ministry, as seen in his call to "hold fast the form of sound words" ([2 Timothy/1-13](/2_timothy/1-13 "2 Timothy 1:13 - Hold Fast the Form of Sound Words")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **charge (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** This word signifies a formal, authoritative command or injunction. It implies a serious and binding instruction, often given with a sense of urgency and expectation of obedience. Paul is not merely advising Timothy but issuing a solemn mandate.
* **quickeneth (Greek, _zōopoiéō'_):** Derived from "life" (zōon) and "to make" (poiéō), this verb means "to make alive," "to give life to," or "to impart life." It speaks to God's inherent power as the source and sustainer of all existence, both physical and spiritual. It emphasizes His ability to bring life out of death, and to empower His servants for their tasks.
* **confession (Greek, _homología'_):** This term refers to an "acknowledgment" or "public declaration of truth." It is not merely a statement but a solemn affirmation, often made under oath or in a legal context. Jesus' "good confession" was a public, unwavering declaration of His identity and mission, made before a powerful authority figure, despite the dire consequences.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things":** Paul begins with a direct, authoritative command to Timothy. The phrase "in the sight of God" elevates the charge to the highest possible level of solemnity and accountability. It implies that Timothy's obedience (or disobedience) is directly observed by the Almighty. The description of God as "who quickeneth all things" underscores His supreme power and sovereignty as the Giver and Sustainer of all life, reinforcing the gravity of the charge and the divine authority behind it.
* **"and before Christ Jesus":** Paul adds a second, equally weighty witness to his charge: Christ Jesus. This parallelism emphasizes the divine nature of the commission and the dual divine audience before whom Timothy's ministry is performed. It also introduces the exemplary role of Christ, which is immediately elaborated upon.
* **"who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession":** This clause presents Jesus as the ultimate model for Timothy's faithful witness. The setting of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, highlights the public, legal, and potentially perilous nature of Jesus' declaration. His "good confession" (referring to His affirmation of His kingship and mission to bear witness to the truth, as in [John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingdom and Truth")) was not a compromise but a steadfast declaration of truth, even unto death. This serves as the standard for Timothy's own integrity and courage in ministry.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. The structure itself demonstrates **Parallelism**, presenting two supreme witnesses—God and Christ Jesus—before whom Timothy is charged, thereby doubling the solemnity and weight of the command. The phrase "who quickeneth all things" functions as an **Appellation** or descriptive epithet for God, highlighting His essential attribute as the Giver of life, which serves to underscore His ultimate authority and power. Jesus' action of "witnessed a good confession" serves as a profound **Exemplar** or **Paradigm**, providing Timothy with a concrete, historical, and supremely authoritative model for his own conduct and witness. The specific mention of **Pontius Pilate** acts as a historical **Allusion**, immediately bringing to mind the dramatic and pivotal trial of Jesus, thereby imbuing Timothy's charge with a sense of profound historical and theological significance, linking his present ministry to the foundational events of Christian faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the concept of divine accountability in Christian service. Paul's charge to Timothy is not merely a human directive but a mandate issued under the direct gaze of the triune God. God, as the One "who quickeneth all things," is not only the source of all life and power but also the ultimate standard of truth and righteousness. Christ's "good confession" before Pilate serves as the supreme theological model for faithful witness, demonstrating that truth must be proclaimed uncompromisingly, even in the face of worldly power and potential suffering. This establishes a high bar for all believers, particularly those in leadership, to live and minister with integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel, knowing that their lives are lived before a divine audience.

* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - God's Omniscience and Our Accountability"): "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."
* [John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Purpose to Bear Witness to the Truth"): "Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."
* [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus Christ, the Faithful Witness"): "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 6:13 calls every believer to a profound awareness of their life lived "in the sight of God." This is not an oppressive surveillance but an empowering truth: our faithfulness, integrity, and witness are seen and valued by the One who gives and sustains all life. For those in ministry, this verse is a sobering reminder of the divine accountability for their stewardship of the Gospel and the flock. For all Christians, it underscores the call to bear a "good confession" in their daily lives—to live out their faith authentically, speak truth courageously, and stand firm in their convictions, even when it is costly or unpopular. Just as Christ bore witness before Pilate, we are called to embody and articulate the truth of the Gospel in our spheres of influence, trusting that the God who quickens all things will enable us to fulfill our charge. This verse encourages us to pursue a life of unwavering integrity, knowing that our ultimate audience is not human, but divine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the awareness of living "in the sight of God" impact your daily decisions and your commitment to integrity?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you called to make a "good confession" of your faith, even in the face of opposition or discomfort?**
* **How does Jesus' example before Pontius Pilate inspire you to be more courageous or steadfast in your own witness?**
* **Considering God "who quickeneth all things," how does His life-giving power encourage you in moments of weakness or discouragement in your spiritual journey?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God "quickeneth all things" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "who quickeneth all things" (from the Greek _zōopoiéō_) means that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of all life. In this context, it emphasizes His absolute sovereignty and power. It reminds Timothy, and us, that the God who gives the solemn charge is also the God who has the power to bring life out of death, to empower His servants, and to fulfill His purposes, even in seemingly impossible situations. It reinforces that the one giving the command is fully capable of enabling its fulfillment and is the ultimate authority over all existence.

**Why is Jesus' "good confession" before Pontius Pilate highlighted as an example for Timothy?**

Answer: Jesus' "good confession" before Pontius Pilate ([John 18:33-37](/john/18-33-37 "John 18:33-37 - Jesus Before Pilate")) is highlighted as the supreme example because it demonstrates unwavering truthfulness and faithfulness in the face of ultimate worldly power and personal peril. Jesus publicly affirmed His identity as King and His mission to bear witness to the truth, even though He knew it would lead to His crucifixion. This act serves as the paradigm for Timothy (and all believers) to maintain integrity, courage, and an uncompromising commitment to the truth of the Gospel, regardless of the consequences. It teaches that true witness is not about popularity or safety, but about fidelity to Christ and His truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Timothy 6:13 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is not only the subject of Paul's charge but also its ultimate embodiment and enabler. Jesus Himself is the "faithful witness" ([Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Jesus Christ, the Faithful Witness")), whose "good confession" before Pontius Pilate was the ultimate demonstration of truth spoken in love and power. His declaration, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth" ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Purpose to Bear Witness to the Truth")), reveals His mission. Furthermore, the God "who quickeneth all things" is the same God who "raised Christ from the dead" ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Who Raised Christ")), demonstrating His supreme life-giving power. Christ's resurrection is the ultimate "quickening," validating His confession and establishing Him as Lord over all ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Timothy's charge, and indeed the charge to all believers, is not merely to imitate Christ's confession, but to do so by the power of the resurrected Christ, who indwells them and empowers them to live a new life ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) in His sight, bearing witness to the very truth He embodied and fulfilled.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 18:36

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

John 18:37

Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Matthew 27:11

¶ And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

1 Timothy 5:21

I charge [thee] before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

Revelation 1:5

And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Revelation 3:14

¶ And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

John 5:21

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.