1 Timothy 6:18

KJV

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

KJV (with Strong's)

That they do good {G14}, that they be rich {G4147} in {G1722} good {G2570} works {G2041}, ready to distribute {G1511}{G2130}, willing to communicate {G2843};

Complete Jewish Bible

Charge them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and ready to share.

Berean Standard Bible

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

American Standard Version

that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 6:18 serves as a direct and positive command from Paul to those who are wealthy within the Ephesian church, urging them to actively counter the dangers of materialism by embracing a life of radical generosity and practical benevolence. It calls believers not merely to avoid the pitfalls of riches, but to leverage their resources as instruments for God's glory and the tangible benefit of others, demonstrating their faith through deeds of love, sharing, and active participation in the needs of the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's comprehensive instructions to Timothy regarding the proper conduct and teaching within the church at Ephesus. It immediately follows Paul's severe warnings against the love of money, which he identifies as a root of all kinds of evil, leading to apostasy and sorrow ([1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Dangers of Loving Money")). Paul then directly addresses those who are rich, exhorting them not to be arrogant or to place their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but rather in God, who richly provides all things for our enjoyment ([1 Timothy 6:17](/1_timothy/6-17 "1 Timothy 6:17 - Instruction to the Rich")). Verse 18, therefore, provides the positive counterpoint and practical application to these warnings and exhortations, outlining the righteous use of material abundance as a means of worship and service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its wealth, commerce, and the magnificent Temple of Artemis. Within such a bustling and affluent society, significant disparities in wealth were common. The early Christian community in Ephesus, like many urban churches, would have comprised individuals from various social strata, including both the poor and the materially prosperous. Greco-Roman society often practiced patronage, where the wealthy would support clients in exchange for social status or political influence. However, Paul's instruction here transcends this secular model, calling for a distinctively Christian generosity rooted in divine love and stewardship, not in seeking human acclaim or reciprocal benefit. This teaching challenged the prevailing cultural norms by redirecting the purpose of wealth from self-aggrandizement to God-centered benevolence and communal solidarity.
* **Key Themes:** First Timothy 6:18 powerfully reinforces several major theological and narrative themes present throughout Paul's letters and the broader biblical narrative. Central among these is the theme of **Stewardship**, emphasizing that all possessions are ultimately God's, and believers are entrusted with them to manage for His purposes. This verse specifically applies stewardship to material wealth, calling for its active deployment in "good works." It also highlights **Generosity** as a core Christian virtue, moving beyond mere avoidance of greed to proactive, open-handed giving. This aligns with the teaching to [lay up treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-20 "Matthew 6:20 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven") rather than on earth. Furthermore, the verse underscores the importance of **Good Works as an Expression of Faith**, demonstrating that true faith is not passive but is evidenced by tangible acts of love and service. Believers are, in fact, [created in Christ Jesus for good works](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works"), which God prepared beforehand. Finally, it promotes **Communal Solidarity** and **Fellowship** through sharing, resisting the isolating tendencies of wealth and fostering genuine Christian community where needs are met.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **do good (Greek, _agathoergéō_):** This verb (G14) is a compound of `agathos` (good) and `ergon` (work), literally meaning "to work good" or "to do good deeds." It signifies active, intentional benevolence, not merely avoiding evil but proactively engaging in acts that benefit others and align with God's will. It implies a practical, outward expression of one's faith.
* **rich (Greek, _ploutéō_):** Derived from `ploutos` (wealth), this verb (G4147) means "to be or become wealthy," whether literally in material possessions or figuratively. In this context, it refers to those who possess abundant material resources. Paul's command is for them to redirect their "richness" from mere accumulation to an abundance of righteous deeds.
* **willing to communicate (Greek, _koinōnikós_):** This adjective (G2843) is derived from `koinōnia`, a rich theological term meaning "fellowship," "partnership," or "sharing." To be `koinōnikós` means to be communicative, liberal, or ready to share, particularly in a pecuniary sense. It implies a disposition to share one's possessions in a way that fosters genuine fellowship and partnership, participating in the lives and needs of others.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they do good":** This phrase sets the primary directive for the wealthy. It's an active command, urging them to engage in practical, beneficial actions. It's not enough to simply possess wealth; it must be channeled into doing what is morally and spiritually right, contributing positively to the world and the church.
* **"that they be rich in good works":** This expands on the previous clause, specifying the nature of the "good" they are to do. It's a call to an abundance of righteous deeds. The "riches" of their material possessions are to be paralleled, and perhaps even eclipsed, by their "riches" in virtuous actions. This suggests a life overflowing with acts of charity, service, and justice, demonstrating that their true wealth lies in their character and contributions, not just their bank accounts.
* **"ready to distribute":** This emphasizes a proactive and eager disposition towards sharing their material resources. The Greek term `eumetádotos` (G2130) implies being "easy to impart" or "liberal in giving." It's about a cheerful, ungrudging willingness to share what they have, not waiting to be asked or giving reluctantly, but seeking opportunities to give freely and generously.
* **"willing to communicate":** This final phrase deepens the meaning of sharing. As discussed in the key word analysis, `koinōnikós` (G2843) points to a sharing that fosters fellowship and partnership. It's not just a transactional act of giving, but a relational one—sharing one's resources in a way that builds community, expresses solidarity, and participates in the lives of others, especially those in need. It's about mutual participation and support within the body of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several **literary devices** to convey his urgent message. The verse functions as an **imperative**, a direct command, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of this instruction for the wealthy. The phrase "rich in good works" utilizes **metaphor**, contrasting the uncertainty and often corrupting influence of material wealth with the enduring and spiritually enriching nature of virtuous deeds. This creates a powerful image of a different kind of "riches" that believers should aspire to accumulate. Furthermore, the pairing of "ready to distribute" and "willing to communicate" exhibits **parallelism**, where two phrases express similar ideas using different but complementary words, reinforcing the multifaceted nature of Christian generosity—both in the act of giving and in the spirit of communal sharing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical theology of stewardship, generosity, and the practical outworking of faith. It challenges the common human tendency to hoard or find security in material possessions, redirecting the believer's focus to God as the ultimate provider and the eternal value of investing in His kingdom through acts of love and service. True wealth, from a divine perspective, is measured not by what one accumulates, but by what one generously gives and how one contributes to the well-being of others and the advancement of God's purposes. This active benevolence demonstrates a transformed heart, where the love of God has replaced the love of money, and where faith is made visible through tangible deeds of compassion and justice.

* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven")
* [2 Corinthians 9:6-7](/2_corinthians/9-6-7 "2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - Cheerful Giving")
* [James 2:14-17](/james/2-14-17 "James 2:14-17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Timothy 6:18 provides timeless and challenging guidance for every believer, regardless of their financial standing, though it specifically addresses those with material abundance. It compels us to examine our hearts regarding our possessions and priorities. We are called to cultivate a generous disposition, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God, to be stewarded for His glory and the good of others. This means actively seeking opportunities to "do good" and to be "rich in good works," moving beyond passive goodwill to intentional acts of kindness, service, and financial support for those in need and for the advancement of the Gospel. For those with significant financial means, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that wealth is a tool for ministry and blessing, not merely for personal comfort or status. It is a profound responsibility to be managed wisely for eternal impact. Ultimately, embracing the spirit of this verse leads to a life of open-handed living, fostering genuine Christian community and reflecting the very nature of God, who is the ultimate giver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I currently view my material resources and possessions? As my own, or as gifts entrusted to me by God?**
* **In what practical ways can I become more "rich in good works" in my daily life and community?**
* **Am I "ready to distribute" and "willing to communicate" with a cheerful heart, or do I give reluctantly or only when prompted?**
* **How can my giving and service foster deeper "fellowship" and "partnership" within my church and broader community?**

### FAQ
**What does "communicate" mean in this verse, and how is it different from "distribute"?**

Answer: In 1 Timothy 6:18, "communicate" (Greek: _koinōnikós_) does not refer to verbal communication. Instead, it carries the sense of sharing, participating, or having fellowship, particularly in a material sense. While "distribute" (Greek: _eumetádotos_) emphasizes the act of giving or imparting resources, "communicate" highlights the relational aspect of sharing. It implies a willingness to enter into a partnership or fellowship with others by sharing one's possessions, fostering mutual support and communal solidarity. This is akin to the early church's practice of [having all things in common](/acts/2-44 "Acts 2:44 - The Early Church's Sharing") where they shared their resources to meet each other's needs. So, "distribute" is about the act of giving, while "communicate" is about the spirit of sharing and the fellowship it creates.

**Is this instruction only for the materially wealthy, or does it apply to all believers?**

Answer: While the immediate context of [1 Timothy 6:17-18](/1_timothy/6-17-18 "1 Timothy 6:17-18 - Paul's Instruction to the Rich") specifically addresses "those who are rich in this present age," the underlying principles of generosity, good works, and stewardship are universal for all believers. Every Christian, regardless of their financial status, is called to be a good steward of whatever resources God has entrusted to them—whether it be time, talents, or treasure. The specific application for the wealthy is to use their abundance for God's glory and the benefit of others, but the heart of generosity and a willingness to share is expected of all who follow Christ. Even those with limited means can be "rich in good works" and "willing to communicate" what they have, as seen in the example of the [widow's mite](/mark/12-41-44 "Mark 12:41-44 - The Widow's Offering").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Timothy 6:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the epitome of one who was "rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate." Though He was eternally rich in glory and divine prerogatives, He "became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ Became Poor for Us")). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by actively "doing good" and healing all who were oppressed ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Went About Doing Good")). He freely distributed healing, hope, and truth, never hoarding His power or love. His willingness to "communicate" was supremely demonstrated in His ultimate act of sharing Himself entirely on the cross, entering into the deepest fellowship and solidarity with humanity's sin and suffering to redeem us. Our call to generosity and good works is not merely an ethical mandate but a Spirit-empowered response to Christ's own boundless generosity. As we are transformed into His likeness, we are enabled to reflect His self-giving nature, becoming channels of His grace and instruments of His good works in the world, all for the glory of Him who first gave Himself for us.

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

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1 John 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

Romans 12:8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, [let him do it] with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Psalms 37:3

Trust in the LORD, and do good; [so] shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Luke 12:21

So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 3:8

[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.