1 Timothy 6:14

That thou keep [this] commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

That thou {G4571} keep {G5083} this commandment {G1785} without spot {G784}, unrebukeable {G423}, until {G3360} the appearing {G2015} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}:

to obey your commission spotlessly and irreproachably until our Lord Yeshua the Messiah appears.

Keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ,

that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

1 Timothy 6:14 is a powerful charge from the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, emphasizing the steadfastness and integrity required in Christian living and ministry. It encapsulates the essence of faithful endurance until the very end.

Context

This verse concludes a significant section in 1 Timothy where Paul has been giving detailed instructions to Timothy, a young pastor, regarding his conduct, teaching, and responsibilities within the church. Prior to this verse, Paul warns against false teachers and the dangers of desiring wealth (1 Timothy 6:9-10). He then contrasts these pitfalls with a call to godliness, righteousness, faith, love, patience, and meekness, urging Timothy to "fight the good fight of faith" and lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:11-12). Verse 14 serves as a solemn command to maintain this high standard of conduct and doctrine.

Key Themes

  • The Enduring Commandment: The phrase "this commandment" refers broadly to the entire body of instruction Paul has given Timothy regarding his life, ministry, and doctrine. It signifies the comprehensive Christian walk and faithful stewardship. This is not a single rule but a lifelong commitment to the truth and principles of the gospel.
  • Blameless Conduct: To be "without spot, unrebukeable" speaks to the purity and irreproachability required of a believer, especially a leader.
    • "Without spot" (Greek: aspilon) suggests being free from moral blemish or defilement.
    • "Unrebukeable" (Greek: anepilempton) means beyond reproach or accusation, living in such a way that no legitimate charge can be brought against one's character or actions. This standard is crucial for maintaining credibility and effectiveness in ministry.
  • The Hope of Christ's Appearing: The duration "until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ" provides both the motivation and the ultimate deadline for this faithfulness. This refers to the Second Coming of Christ, also known as the Epiphany (Greek: epiphaneia). Believers are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that their faithfulness will culminate in Christ's glorious return, at which point all will be made manifest.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "appearing" is epiphaneia (ἐπιφάνεια), from which we get "epiphany." It denotes a shining forth, a manifestation, or a glorious advent. In the New Testament, it is consistently used to refer to the glorious Second Coming of Christ, emphasizing its visible and undeniable nature. This term underscores the ultimate accountability and the profound hope that fuels Christian endurance.

Practical Application

While specifically addressed to Timothy as a pastor, the principles of 1 Timothy 6:14 are highly relevant for all believers today. We are called to:

  • Maintain Integrity: Live a life that is morally pure and beyond reproach, reflecting the character of Christ in all areas. This involves intentional choices to avoid sin and pursue righteousness.
  • Endure Faithfully: Recognize that the Christian walk is a lifelong journey requiring perseverance. Our commitment to God's commands is not temporary but lasts "until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ."
  • Live with Eternal Perspective: The hope of Christ's return should be a powerful motivator for holy living. Knowing that we will stand before Him should inspire us to live "without spot, unrebukeable," anticipating His glorious advent (1 John 3:3).

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that our conduct matters, and our ultimate accountability is to the returning Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 3:14

    Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

  • 1 Peter 1:7

    That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23

    ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Jude 1:24

    Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

  • Titus 2:13

    Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

  • Hebrews 9:28

    So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

  • 1 Timothy 4:11

    These things command and teach.
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