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Commentary on 1 Timothy 6 verses 13–21
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.
"Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come."
There nothing is uncertain, for the foundation being firm, there is no instability, all is firm, fixed, immovable, fast, and enduring.
"That they may lay hold," he says, "on eternal life."
For the doing of good works can secure the enjoyment of eternal life.
Through love of this true life you ought to consider yourself desolate in this world, no matter what happiness you enjoy. That is the true life in comparison with which this other, which is so much loved, is not to be called life, however pleasant and prolonged it may be. Similarly, that is the true comfort which God promised by the prophet saying, “I will give them true comfort, peace upon peace.” Without this comfort there is more grief than consolation to be found in earthly comforts, whatever they may be.
to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may obtain eternal life.
to do good, to be rich in good works. If you seek wealth, seek true wealth, not uncertain. What are these? Goods, Paul says, are easy to distribute; for this is the nature of money.
to be generous. That is, gentle, friendly, modest, and humble.
storing up for themselves. That is, laying down, Paul says, a good foundation. Where the foundation is good, all is safe and secure.
so that they may obtain eternal life. Therefore, for this life, one must lay up the foundation. But how could this be? If by doing good here, we lay up for ourselves the foundation and security of this life. For the practice of good works, which Paul also called a foundation, is able to grant the enjoyment of that life.
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SUMMARY
First Timothy 6:19 encapsulates Paul's exhortation to wealthy believers, urging them to view their material possessions not as ends in themselves, but as means for eternal investment. By cultivating a lifestyle of generosity and good works, they are metaphorically "laying up in store" a secure and valuable "foundation" for the future, thereby actively "laying hold" of the abundant and enduring reality of eternal life that God graciously provides. This verse shifts the focus from temporal accumulation to spiritual stewardship, highlighting the profound, lasting benefits of a Christ-centered perspective on wealth.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey his message. The central device is Metaphor, specifically the extended metaphor of "laying up in store" and building a "good foundation." This draws on familiar concepts of financial investment and architectural stability, transposing them from the material realm to the spiritual. This makes the abstract idea of spiritual reward tangible and relatable. There is also a clear Contrast at play, implicitly contrasting the "uncertain riches" of 1 Timothy 6:17 with the enduring "good foundation" and "eternal life" offered by God. This highlights the superior value and security of spiritual treasures over material ones. Finally, the phrase "that they may lay hold on eternal life" functions as a Purpose Clause, clearly stating the ultimate aim and desired outcome of the prescribed actions. This grammatical structure emphasizes the teleological nature of Christian living, where present deeds are purposefully oriented towards an eternal destiny.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates a key aspect of biblical theology: the relationship between present actions and future realities, particularly concerning the nature of true wealth and security. It underscores that while salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, the outworking of that faith in tangible acts of love and generosity is not merely optional but integral to experiencing the fullness of God's life. This "laying up in store" is not a means of earning salvation, but rather a demonstration of transformed priorities and a wise investment in the Kingdom of God, which yields eternal dividends. It aligns with the broader biblical principle that our earthly stewardship has eternal implications, shaping our capacity to "lay hold" of the abundant life Christ offers.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Timothy 6:19 challenges believers across all socio-economic strata to critically examine their relationship with material possessions and to reorient their priorities towards eternal values. It calls us to cultivate a radical generosity that flows from a deep trust in God's provision rather than in the fleeting nature of wealth. This is not about earning merit, but about expressing the reality of a transformed heart that recognizes God as the ultimate source and eternal life as the ultimate prize. By investing in others, supporting God's work, and living a life rich in good deeds, we are actively participating in God's eternal purposes, thereby deepening our present experience of His life and securing a lasting spiritual inheritance. This perspective liberates us from the anxiety of accumulation and the disappointment of loss, enabling us to live with purpose, joy, and eternal foresight.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "laying up in store" and "laying hold on eternal life" imply that eternal life is earned by good works?
Answer: No, this verse does not teach salvation by works. The New Testament consistently affirms that salvation and eternal life are gracious gifts from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by human merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, 1 Timothy 6:19 speaks to the outworking and experience of that already-granted eternal life. "Laying up in store" refers to actions that demonstrate a genuine faith and transformed heart, serving as a "good foundation" for one's future in God's kingdom. "Laying hold on eternal life" signifies actively embracing, living out, and fully experiencing the rich, abundant life that God provides through Christ, both in the present and in eternity. It's about living in light of one's salvation, not earning it.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call to "lay up in store... a good foundation... that they may lay hold on eternal life" finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very foundation upon which all true life and security are built, as 1 Corinthians 3:11 declares, "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." Our generosity and good works are not self-generated but flow from our union with Him, who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). Christ Himself is the embodiment of the eternal life we are called to "lay hold on," for He stated, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), and "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). Thus, our spiritual investment is not merely an act of human effort but a participation in Christ's own self-giving, securing for us a future that is eternally bound to Him, the very source and substance of everlasting life.