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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Timothy 6:13–21. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle here charges Timothy to keep this commandment (that is, the whole work of his ministry, all the trust reposed in him, all the service expected from him) without spot, unrebukable; he must conduct himself so in his ministry that he might not lay himself open to any blame nor incur any blemish. What are the motives to move him to this?
I.He gives him a solemn charge:
I give thee charge in the sight of God that thou do this. He charges him as he will answer it at the great day to that God whose eyes are upon us all, who sees what we are and what we do: - God, who quickens all things, who has life in himself and is the fountain of life. This should quicken us to the service of God that we serve a God who quickens all things. He charges him before Christ Jesus, to whom in a peculiar manner he stood related as a minister of his gospel: Who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession. Observe, Christ died not only as a sacrifice, but as a martyr; and he witnessed a good confession when he was arraigned before Pilate, saying (Joh 18:36, Joh 18:37), My kingdom is not of this world: I am come to bear witness unto the truth. That good confession of his before Pilate, My kingdom is not of this world, should be effectual to draw off all his followers, both ministers and people, from the love of this world.
II.He reminds him of the confession that he himself had made:
Thou hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (Ti1 6:12), namely, when he was ordained by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. The obligation of that was still upon him, and he must live up to that, and be quickened by that, to do the work of his ministry.
III.He reminds him of Christ's second coming:
"Keep this commandment - until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; keep it as long as thou live, till Christ come at death to give thee a discharge. Keep it with an eye to his second coming, when we must all give an account of the talents we have been entrusted with," Luk 16:2. Observe, The Lord Jesus Christ will appear, and it will be a glorious appearing, not like his first appearing in the days of his humiliation. Ministers should have an eye to this appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ in all their ministrations, and, till his appearing, they are to keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable. Mentioning the appearing of Christ, as one that loved it, Paul loves to speak of it, and loves to speak of him who shall then appear. The appearing of Christ is certain (he shall show it), but it is not for us to know the time and season of it, which the Father has kept in his own power: let this suffice us, that in time he will show it, in the time that he thinks fit for it. Observe,
1.Concerning Christ and God the Father the apostle here speaks great things.
(1.)That God is the only Potentate; the powers of earthly princes are all derived from him, and depend upon him. The powers that exist are ordained of God, Rom 13:1. He is the only Potentate that is absolute and sovereign, and perfectly independent.
(2.)He is the blessed and the only Potentate, infinitely happy, and nothing can in the least impair his happiness.
(3.)He is King of kings, and Lord of lords. All the kings of the earth derive their power from him; he gave them their crowns, they hold them under him, and he has a sovereign dominion over them. This is Christ's title (Rev 19:16), upon his vesture and his thigh; for he has a name higher than the kings of the earth.
(4.)He only has immortality. He only is immortal in himself, and has immortality as he is the fountain of it, for the immortality of angels and spirits derived from him.
(5.)He dwells in inaccessible light, light which no man can approach unto: no man can get to heaven but those whom he is pleased to bring thither, and admit into his kingdom.
(6.)He is invisible: Whom no man hath seen, nor can see. It is impossible that mortal eyes should bear the brightness of the divine glory. No man can see God and live.
2.Having mentioned these glorious attributes, he concludes with a doxology: To him be honour and power everlasting. Amen. God having all power and honour to himself, it is our duty to ascribe all power and honour to him.
(1.)What an evil is sin, when committed against such a God, the blessed and only Potentate! The evil of it rises in proportion to the dignity of him against whom it is committed.
(2.)Great is his condescension, to take notice of such mean and vile creatures as we are. What are we then, that the blessed God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, should seek after us?
(3.)Blessed are those who are admitted to dwell with this great and blessed Potentate. Happy are thy men (says the queen of Sheba to king Solomon), happy are these thy servants, who stand continually before thee, Kg1 10:8. Much more happy are those who are allowed to stand before the King of kings.
(4.)Let us love, adore, and praise, the great God; for who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou only art holy, Rev 15:4.
IV.The apostle adds, by way of postscript, a lesson for rich people, Ti1 6:17-19.
1.Timothy must charge those that are rich to beware of the temptations, and improve the opportunities, of their prosperous estate.
(1.)He must caution them to take heed of pride. This is a sin that easily besets rich people, upon whom the world smiles. Charge them that they be not high-minded, or think of themselves above what is meet, or be puffed up with their wealth.
(2.)He must caution them against vain confidence in their wealth. Charge them that they trust not in uncertain riches. Nothing is more uncertain than the wealth of this world; many have had much of it one day and been stripped of all the next. Riches make themselves wings, and fly away as an eagle, etc., Pro 23:5.
(3.)He must charge them to trust in God, the living God, to make him their hope, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. Those who are rich must see God giving them their riches, and giving them to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them.
(4.)He must charge them to do good with what they have (for what is the best estate worth, any more than as it gives a man an opportunity of doing so much the more good?): That they be rich in good works. Those are truly rich who are rich in good works. That they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate: not only to do it, but to do it willingly, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(5.)He must charge them to think of another world, and prepare for that which is to come by works of charity: Laying up in store a good foundation against the time to come, that they may take hold on eternal life.
2.Hence we may observe,
(1.)Ministers must not be afraid of the rich; be they ever so rich, they must speak to them, and charge them.
(2.)They must caution them against pride, and vain confidence in their riches: That they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches. Stir them up to works of piety and charity: That they do good, etc.
(3.)This is the way for the rich to lay up in store for themselves for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life; in the way of well-doing we are to seek for glory, honour, and immortality, and eternal life will be the end of all, Rom 2:7.
(4.)Here is a lesson for ministers in the charge given to Timothy: Keep that which is committed to thy trust. Every minister is a trustee, and it is a treasure committed to his trust, which he has to keep. The truths of God, the ordinances of God, keep these, avoiding profane and vain babblings; not affecting human eloquence, which the apostle calls vain babbling, or human learning, which often opposes the truths of God, but keep close to the written word, for that is committed to our trust. Some who have been very proud of their learning, their science, which is falsely so called, have by that been debauched in their principles and been drawn away from the faith of Christ, which is a good reason why we should keep to the plain word of the gospel, and resolve to live and die by that. Observe, [1.] Ministers cannot be too earnestly exhorted to keep what is committed to their trust, because it is a great trust lodged with them: O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust! as if he had said, "I cannot conclude without charging thee again; whatever thou doest, be sure to keep this trust, for it is too great a trust to be betrayed." [2.] Ministers are to avoid babblings, if they would keep what is committed to them, because they are vain and profane. [3.] That science that opposes the truth of the gospel is falsely so called; it is not true science, for if it were it would approve of the gospel and consent to it. [4.] Those who are so fond of such science are in great danger of erring concerning the faith; those who are for advancing reason above faith are in danger of leaving faith.
V.Our apostle concludes with a solemn prayer and benediction:
Grace be with thee. Amen. Observe, this is a short, yet comprehensive prayer for our friends, for grace comprehends in it all that is good, and grace is an earnest, yea, a beginning, of glory; for, wherever God gives grace, he will give glory, and will not withhold any good thing from him who walketh uprightly. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Similarly, concerning Onesiphorus, does he also write to Timothy: "The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy in that day; " unto which day and time he charges Timothy himself "to keep what had been committed to his care, without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ: which in His times He shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords," speaking of (Him as) God It is to these same times that Peter in the Acts refers, when he says: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of His holy prophets.
"That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ."
That is, till thy end, thy departure hence, though he does not so express it, but that he may the more arouse him, says, "till His appearing." But what is "to keep the commandment without spot"? To contract no defilement, either of doctrine or of life.
I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and Christ Jesus, who testified before Pontius Pilate the good confession, to keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Again Paul makes God a witness, both increasing the fear and making the disciple more secure, because he has in mind the one who was witnessed.
who gives life to all things. This is also a comfort against dangers. For if God, Paul says, gives life to all things, why should we fear the struggles for faith? And that He encourages this is clear from what follows, Jesus Christ, who testified before Pontius Pilate. For if the Master testified, why do we delay?
Who testified before Pontius Pilate. For Jesus testified concerning what he was doing, that he himself is the Christ, the Son of God. Therefore, Clement in the seventh book of Hypotyposes.
the good confession. What good confession does it speak of? In a somewhat mysterious way, however, Jesus confessed that he is God. For when Pilate said, "Are you a king?" he said, "For this I was born." (Jn. 18:37)
to keep the commandment without spot. That is, neither tainted by doctrines nor by conduct.
until the appearing. Until, Paul says, your last breath. But he did not say it thus. However, in order to stir him more greatly, he remembered the Lord's appearance, and the dreadful glory.
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Summary
First Timothy 6:14 presents a profound charge from the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, urging him to maintain unwavering faithfulness, moral purity, and doctrinal integrity in his life and ministry. This comprehensive "commandment" is to be upheld without blemish or legitimate accusation, serving as a steadfast commitment that endures until the glorious Second Coming of Jesus Christ, which serves as both the ultimate motivation and the final accountability for all believers.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as a powerful concluding exhortation within a significant section of Paul's first letter to Timothy, particularly following a detailed discussion on the dangers of false teaching and the pitfalls of material wealth. Paul has just contrasted the destructive pursuit of riches with a passionate call for Timothy to "flee these things" and instead "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness" 1 Timothy 6:11. He then urges Timothy to "fight the good fight of the faith" and "take hold of the eternal life" 1 Timothy 6:12. Verse 14, therefore, crystallizes these preceding instructions into a singular, overarching command, emphasizing the enduring nature and high standard of Timothy's pastoral and personal conduct. It is a solemn charge, reinforced by the presence of God and Christ in the preceding verse 1 Timothy 6:13.
Historical & Cultural Context
Timothy was a young pastor serving in Ephesus, a prominent city known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and significant pagan worship (including the cult of Artemis). This environment presented numerous challenges to the nascent Christian community, including the infiltration of false doctrines and ungodly lifestyles. Paul's emphasis on keeping the commandment "without spot, unrebukeable" was particularly crucial in a culture where personal reputation and public perception heavily influenced one's credibility and effectiveness. For Timothy to lead the church effectively and counter the pervasive errors, his character had to be beyond reproach, providing a living testament to the truth of the gospel amidst moral decay and spiritual deception. The concept of a "blameless" life was also understood within the Greco-Roman world as an ideal for leaders and those of high standing, making Paul's charge culturally resonant while elevating it to a divine standard.
Key Themes
First Timothy 6:14 contributes significantly to several key themes woven throughout the epistle. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Pastoral Integrity and Conduct, emphasizing that a leader's life must align with the truth they proclaim, a recurring motif in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., Titus 1:7-9). Secondly, the phrase "this commandment" points to the Comprehensive Nature of Christian Discipleship and Doctrine, encompassing not just specific rules but the entire body of sound teaching and godly living that Paul has been outlining. Thirdly, the call to remain steadfast "until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" highlights the Eschatological Hope and Motivation that undergirds Christian perseverance. This future event, the glorious return of Christ, serves as the ultimate deadline and the final judgment, providing a powerful incentive for present faithfulness and a reminder of ultimate accountability, a hope also articulated in Titus 2:13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From a verb meaning "to enjoin" or "to command," this term signifies an authoritative prescription or injunction. In this context, it refers not to a single specific rule but to the comprehensive body of instructions Paul has given Timothy regarding his personal conduct, his teaching, and his responsibilities as a leader in the church. It encompasses the entirety of the Christian life and ministry as presented in the letter.
Composed of a negative particle ("a-") and a word for "spot" or "blemish," this term means unblemished, pure, or undefiled. It refers to moral purity, suggesting a life free from moral stain, defect, or defilement. It emphasizes an internal and external purity that reflects the character of Christ.
Derived from a negative particle ("an-") and a word related to "to seize" or "to lay hold of," this term means not able to be seized or laid hold of, hence inculpable, blameless, or beyond reproach. It signifies living in such a way that no legitimate accusation or charge can be brought against one's character or actions, ensuring one's credibility and integrity remain intact.
From a word meaning "to shine upon" or "to manifest," this term denotes a manifestation, a shining forth, or a glorious advent. In the New Testament, particularly in the Pastoral Epistles, it consistently refers to the glorious Second Coming of Christ, emphasizing its visible, undeniable, and divinely orchestrated nature. It points to the culmination of God's redemptive plan.
Verse Breakdown
"That thou keep this commandment"
This clause issues a direct, imperative charge to Timothy. The "commandment" is not a singular dictate but encapsulates the entire scope of Paul's instructions throughout the letter, particularly those concerning godliness, sound doctrine, and faithful ministry. Timothy is called to "keep" (Greek: tēréō), which implies not merely intellectual assent but active preservation, guarding, observing, and fulfilling these instructions in his life and work. It signifies a continuous, diligent adherence.
"without spot, unrebukeable"
These two descriptive phrases define the manner in which the commandment is to be kept. "Without spot" refers to moral purity, freedom from blemish or defilement, suggesting an inner integrity that manifests outwardly. "Unrebukeable" speaks to one's public reputation and conduct, meaning beyond legitimate accusation or reproach. Together, they paint a picture of comprehensive integrity—a life that is both inwardly pure and outwardly unimpeachable, essential for a leader's credibility and the gospel's honor.
"until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ"
This phrase establishes the duration and the ultimate horizon for Timothy's faithfulness. The "appearing" (Greek: epipháneia) refers specifically to the glorious Second Coming of Christ. This eschatological reference provides both the motivation and the ultimate accountability for Timothy's steadfastness. His faithfulness is not for a temporary season but is a lifelong commitment, enduring until the very moment Christ returns, at which point all will be revealed and judged according to His perfect standard.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The Imperative Mood is strongly present, though implied in the "that thou keep" structure, conveying a direct and authoritative command from Paul to Timothy, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. The phrases "without spot" and "unrebukeable" function as Metaphors for moral and ethical purity, drawing on imagery of cleanliness and legal blamelessness to describe an ideal state of character. "Without spot" evokes the idea of a sacrificial animal without blemish, hinting at the purity required for service. The entire verse is framed by Eschatological Language, with "until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" serving as a powerful Motif that provides the ultimate temporal boundary and motivational force for Timothy's perseverance. This future event acts as a Telos or ultimate goal, shaping present conduct.
Theological and Thematic Connections
First Timothy 6:14 deeply connects to the broader biblical themes of perseverance, sanctification, and eschatological hope. The charge to keep the commandment "without spot, unrebukeable" underscores the New Testament emphasis on the believer's call to holiness and blamelessness, not as a means of earning salvation, but as the fruit of a transformed life and a necessary witness to a watching world. This pursuit of purity is not a fleeting endeavor but a lifelong commitment, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The ultimate motivation for this endurance is the "appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ," a foundational doctrine that anchors Christian hope and provides the ultimate accountability. Believers are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that their faithfulness will be revealed and rewarded at Christ's glorious return, which serves as the consummation of God's redemptive plan.
Reflection and Application
First Timothy 6:14, though addressed specifically to a pastor, resonates profoundly with all believers today, calling us to a life of unwavering integrity and steadfast faithfulness. In a world often characterized by moral compromise and fleeting commitments, Paul's charge reminds us that our Christian walk is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring sustained diligence and a clear conscience. We are called to live in such a way that our character and conduct are beyond legitimate reproach, reflecting the purity of Christ in every sphere of life—in our homes, workplaces, and communities. This means actively pursuing righteousness, fleeing temptation, and cultivating a reputation for honesty and truthfulness. Furthermore, the "appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" serves as a powerful and enduring motivation. Knowing that we will one day stand before Him should inspire us to live with intentionality, purifying ourselves as He is pure, and eagerly anticipating His glorious return. This eternal perspective transforms our daily choices, grounding us in hope and propelling us towards greater holiness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly is "this commandment" that Timothy is to keep?
"This commandment" (Greek: entolḗ) in 1 Timothy 6:14 refers to the entire body of instruction and charge that Paul has given to Timothy throughout the letter, especially in the preceding verses. It's not a single, isolated rule, but a comprehensive summary of the Christian life, ministry, and sound doctrine. This includes fleeing from the love of money, pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness 1 Timothy 6:11, fighting the good fight of faith, and taking hold of eternal life 1 Timothy 6:12. It encapsulates the high standards of character and conduct expected of a believer, particularly a leader, in light of the gospel.
What does it mean to be "without spot, unrebukeable"?
To be "without spot" (Greek: áspilos) means to be free from moral blemish, defilement, or impurity. It speaks to an inner purity of heart and motive, akin to a sacrificial lamb without blemish 1 Peter 1:19. To be "unrebukeable" (Greek: anepílēptos) means to be beyond reproach or legitimate accusation. It refers to one's outward conduct and reputation, living in such a way that no valid charge can be brought against one's character or actions. Together, these phrases describe a life of complete integrity—inwardly pure and outwardly blameless—which is essential for maintaining credibility and effectively representing Christ in the world. This standard is echoed in the qualifications for elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3.
Why is the "appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" mentioned as the deadline?
The "appearing" (Greek: epipháneia) of our Lord Jesus Christ refers to His glorious Second Coming. This serves as the ultimate horizon and motivation for Christian faithfulness for several reasons. Firstly, it provides a clear temporal boundary, emphasizing that our commitment to God's commands is lifelong, enduring until the very end of this age. Secondly, it highlights the ultimate accountability we will all face before Christ, who will judge both the living and the dead 2 Timothy 4:1. Thirdly, it offers profound hope and encouragement, knowing that our perseverance will culminate in His glorious return, at which point all things will be made right, and we will be fully glorified with Him Titus 2:13. This eschatological hope fuels our present pursuit of holiness and endurance.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
First Timothy 6:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect standard in the person of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the one who perfectly "kept this commandment" in every aspect, living a life "without spot, unrebukeable" from beginning to end. Unlike us, He was truly without sin, "a lamb without blemish or spot" 1 Peter 1:19, and "in him is no sin" 1 John 3:5. His entire earthly ministry, from His teachings to His actions, perfectly embodied the "commandment" of God's will, culminating in His obedient sacrifice on the cross Philippians 2:8. Furthermore, the "appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" is the very event that grants us the power and hope to strive for such blamelessness. It is through His first advent that we are redeemed and empowered by His Spirit, and it is His promised second advent that serves as our blessed hope and the ultimate motivation for our perseverance. We are called to purify ourselves "just as He is pure" 1 John 3:3, knowing that when He appears, "we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" 1 John 3:2. Thus, Christ is not only the perfect example of the commandment kept but also the empowering source and the glorious goal of our faithful endurance.