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.

Instructions to Slaves and Masters

1
Those who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as worthy of full respect, so that the name of God and the teaching will not be brought into disrepute. ​
2
And those who have believing masters are not to show them less respect on the ground that they are brothers; on the contrary, they should serve all the more diligently, since those benefiting from their service are believers whom they love. Teach and exhort people about these things. ​

Warning Against False Teachers

3
If anyone teaches differently and does not agree to the sound precepts of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah and to the doctrine that is in keeping with godliness, ​
4
he is swollen with conceit and understands nothing. Instead, he has a morbid desire for controversies and word-battles, out of which come jealousy, dissension, insults, evil suspicions, ​
5
and constant wrangling among people whose minds no longer function properly and who have been deprived of the truth, so that they imagine that religion is a road to riches. ​

Godliness and Contentment

6
Now true religion does bring great riches, but only to those who are content with what they have. ​
7
For we have brought nothing into the world; and we can take nothing out of it; ​
8
so if we have food and clothing, we will be satisfied with these.
9
Furthermore, those whose goal is to be rich fall into temptation; they get trapped in many foolish and hurtful ambitions which plunge them into ruin and destruction. ​
10
For the love of money is a root of all the evils; because of this craving, some people have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves to the heart with many pains. ​

Timothy’s Personal Charge

11
But you, as a man of God, flee from these things; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ​
12
Fight the good fight of the faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you testified so well to your faith before many witnesses. ​
13
I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before the Messiah Yeshua, who in his witness to Pontius Pilate gave the same good testimony, ​
14
to obey your commission spotlessly and irreproachably until our Lord Yeshua the Messiah appears. ​
15
His appearing will be brought about in its own time by the blessed and sole Sovereign, who is King of kings and Lord of lords, ​
16
who alone is immortal, who dwells in unapproachable light that no human being has ever seen or can see — to him be honor and eternal power. Amen. ​

Instructions for the Rich

17
As for those who do have riches in this present world, charge them not to be proud and not to let their hopes rest on the uncertainties of riches but to rest their hopes on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. ​
18
Charge them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and ready to share. ​
19
In this way they will treasure up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may lay hold of the real life. ​

Final Exhortation and Benediction

20
Oh, Timothy! Keep safe what has been entrusted to you. Turn away from the ungodly babblings and the argumentative opposition of what is falsely called “knowledge.” ​
21
For many who promise this “knowledge” have missed the mark, as far as the faith is concerned. Grace be with you.

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.

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