1 Timothy6

The chapter begins by instructing servants to honor their masters, whether believing or not, to prevent blasphemy against God's doctrine. It warns against false teachers who equate godliness with material gain, advocating instead for godliness with contentment as true wealth. The text strongly cautions against the love of money, identifying it as the root of all evil, leading to destruction. Timothy is exhorted to flee these worldly desires, pursue righteousness, and faithfully guard the truth entrusted to him.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

Instructions to Slaves and Masters

1
All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited. ​
2
Those who have believing masters should not show disrespect because they are brothers, but should serve them all the more, since those receiving their good service are beloved believers. Teach and encourage these principles. ​

Warning Against False Teachers

3
If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, ​
4
he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, ​
5
and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. ​

Godliness and Contentment

6
Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. ​
7
For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. ​
8
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
9
Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. ​
10
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. ​

Timothy’s Personal Charge

11
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. ​
12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. ​
13
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate: ​
14
Keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, ​
15
which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time. ​
16
He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. ​

Instructions for the Rich

17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. ​
18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, ​
19
treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. ​

Final Exhortation and Benediction

20
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,” ​
21
which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith. Grace be with you all.

Study Notes for 1 Timothy 6

Verse 1

In the Roman world, slavery was a social reality. Paul instructs Christian slaves to act honorably toward their masters, even non-believers, so that the gospel message is not discredited or blasphemed by poor conduct.

Verse 2

When the master is a believer, the slave must not exploit the 'brotherhood' relationship to avoid service. Instead, they should serve diligently, recognizing that their service benefits fellow believers.

Verse 3

Paul defines false teaching not just by content, but by its opposition to 'wholesome words' (sound doctrine) and the practical piety ('godliness') taught by Christ.

Verse 4

False teachers are characterized by intellectual arrogance and a preoccupation with useless, contentious speculation ('questions and strifes of words') that lead only to division and moral decay.

Verse 5

The core motivation of these heretics is financial exploitation. They engage in ministry not for truth or devotion, but 'supposing that gain is godliness,' confusing spiritual purpose with material profit.

Verse 6

This verse presents the true source of wealth: spiritual devotion combined with satisfaction in one’s circumstances. True 'gain' is not material, but spiritual and psychological peace.

Verse 7

A theological basis for contentment, rooted in mortality. Since material goods are temporary and cannot be taken into eternity, attachment to them is futile.

Verse 9

The danger lies in the *desire* ('will to be rich') rather than wealth itself. This intense covetousness leads to moral compromise, tempting the believer into destructive actions.

Verse 10

This famous statement identifies the *love* of money (greed, covetousness) as 'the root of all evil'—meaning, the source of every kind of moral and spiritual ruin. This desire leads believers away from faith and causes deep emotional pain.

Verse 11

'Man of God' is a title used in the Old Testament for prophets and spiritual leaders, emphasizing Timothy’s high calling and moral responsibility to flee corruption and pursue Christ-like virtues.

Verse 12

'Fight the good fight of faith' uses athletic imagery (agonizomai), urging Timothy to strive intensely in his ministry and personal life to secure the eternal reward to which he was called.

Verse 13

Paul heightens the solemnity of the charge by invoking God and Christ as witnesses. Christ’s 'good confession' before Pilate (John 18:37) serves as the model for Timothy’s own fearless testimony.

Verse 14

Timothy is charged to uphold his duties faithfully until the Parousia (the second coming of Christ), underscoring the enduring nature of his pastoral responsibilities.

Verse 15

Paul breaks into a magnificent doxology (a statement of praise) stressing the absolute sovereignty and power of God, who alone determines the timing of Christ’s return.

Verse 16

This verse emphasizes God’s transcendent and inaccessible nature ('dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto'), contrasting the absolute immortality of God with the fleeting nature of human life.

Verse 17

Paul addresses the wealthy members of the Ephesian church, warning them against two dangers: arrogance ('highmindedness') and misplaced security in unstable material wealth. Their trust must be in God’s provision.

Verse 18

The antidote to the dangers of wealth is practical Christian stewardship. The rich must actively pursue generosity, charity, and sharing as their primary 'good works.'

Verse 19

By using their earthly wealth generously, they are investing in their eternal future, 'laying up in store' spiritual capital that secures their true hold on eternal life.

Verse 20

'Keep that which is committed to thy trust' (the 'deposit' or parathēkē) refers to the apostolic gospel tradition and sound doctrine Timothy received. He must guard this truth against 'science falsely so called' (gnōsis pseudōnymos), a reference to destructive, speculative heresies.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options