1 Timothy 6:18

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

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};

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

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

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

Context

First Timothy 6:18 is part of Paul's vital instructions to his young protégé, Timothy, concerning the proper conduct and teaching within the church at Ephesus. Specifically, this verse immediately follows a strong warning against the dangers of materialism and the deceitfulness of riches (1 Timothy 6:9-10) and an exhortation to those who are wealthy not to be arrogant or to put their hope in uncertain riches, but in God (1 Timothy 6:17). Verse 18, therefore, provides a positive directive, outlining how those blessed with material abundance should use their resources for God's glory and the good of others, emphasizing a life of active benevolence rather than passive accumulation.

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Stewardship: The verse powerfully calls believers, particularly those with wealth, to be active stewards of God's blessings. It's not enough to avoid the pitfalls of riches; one must actively use wealth for righteous purposes. This aligns with the biblical principle of laying up treasures in heaven.
  • Good Works as an Expression of Faith: Being "rich in good works" underscores that faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through tangible acts of love and service. These are the "fruits" of a transformed life, for which believers are created in Christ Jesus unto good works.
  • Readiness to Share: The phrases "ready to distribute" and "willing to communicate" highlight a proactive and cheerful disposition towards sharing one's resources. This is a call to open-handed living, resisting the natural human tendency to hoard or be self-focused.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "distribute" and "communicate," which carry significant weight in the original Greek:

  • "Ready to distribute": The Greek word is eumetadotous (εὐμεταδότους), which means "easy to impart," "liberal in giving," or "generous." It implies a cheerful and spontaneous willingness to share, rather than grudging or reluctant giving.
  • "Willing to communicate": The Greek term is koinōnikous (κοινωνικούς), derived from koinōnia (κοινωνία). Koinōnia is a rich theological term meaning "fellowship," "partnership," "sharing," or "communion." In this context, it refers to sharing one's material possessions in a way that fosters genuine fellowship and partnership with others, particularly those in need. It's about participating in the lives of others through shared resources, much like the early church's practice of having all things in common.

Practical Application

This verse provides timeless guidance for every believer, regardless of their financial standing:

  1. Cultivate a Generous Heart: The command is not just to give, but to be "ready" and "willing." This speaks to an internal disposition that values others' needs and God's purposes above personal accumulation.
  2. Be Intentional in Good Works: Actively look for opportunities to do good and engage in works that benefit others and glorify God. This might involve supporting ministries, helping the poor, or serving one's community.
  3. Recognize Wealth as a Tool: For those with 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 responsibility to be stewarded wisely for eternal impact.
  4. Embrace True Fellowship: "Willing to communicate" encourages not just monetary donations but a deeper engagement and sharing of life and resources with others, fostering genuine Christian community and mutual support. This echoes the teaching to contribute to the needs of the saints.
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.

  • 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.

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