1 Timothy 6 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 1 Timothy 6

The First Epistle to Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who was dramatically converted and became one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity. Paul provides Timothy, a young pastor, with guidance on how to lead his congregation and address the challenges they face in this chapter.

The chapter begins by addressing the issue of false teachers who are spreading harmful doctrines and causing division within the church. Paul warns Timothy to be vigilant in protecting the flock from these wolves in sheep’s clothing. He then delves into the importance of contentment, cautioning against the love of money and the pursuit of material wealth, which can lead to ruin (1 Timothy 6:6-10). Paul exhorts Timothy to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) and to keep the commandments of God until the return of Christ as the chapter progresses. He reminds Timothy that the true riches are found in godliness and the eternal life promised to those who believe (1 Timothy 6:17-19). The epistle concludes with a final charge to Timothy to guard the deposit of faith that has been entrusted to him (1 Timothy 6:20-21).

1 Timothy 6:1-2

1. “All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.”

2. Paul is addressing the issue of slaves and their attitude towards their masters within the context of the early Christian church in these verses. At the time, slavery was a common practice in Roman society, and many slaves were becoming Christians. Paul is advising slaves to respect their masters, whether their masters are believers or not. Paul emphasizes that how they conduct themselves reflects not only on themselves but also on the teachings of Christianity.

This passage sheds light on the challenging social dynamics that early Christians had to navigate, particularly in a culture where slavery was prevalent. Rather than inciting rebellion or promoting unrest, Paul encourages Christian slaves to embody Christ-like behavior even in difficult circumstances. This instruction underscores the importance of living out one’s faith through actions and attitudes, regardless of the external circumstances.

Furthermore, Paul’s message here promotes the idea of honoring authority figures, even in situations that may seem unjust or oppressive. This aligns with other biblical teachings, such as Romans 13:1-2, which emphasizes the importance of submitting to governing authorities as part of honoring God’s ordained order. Believers are encouraged by these verses to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the teachings of Christ, even in challenging social structures like slavery. They serve as a reminder that our actions should always bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

1 Timothy 6:3-5

The passage in 1 Timothy 6:3-5 addresses the issue of false teachings and emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine within the church. Let’s break it down into important sections for a deeper analysis:

Section 1: “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,”
This section highlights the importance of teaching that aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the necessity of sound doctrine within the church and the dangers of deviating from it. Throughout the New Testament, there are warnings about false teachers who distort the truth (2 Peter 2:1, Matthew 7:15). Paul is instructing Timothy to be vigilant against false teachings that might lead believers astray.

Section 2: “they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions,”
This section describes the characteristics of those who promote false teachings. They are portrayed as being conceited, lacking understanding, and prone to engaging in petty arguments and disputes. This behavior not only goes against the humility and wisdom advocated by Jesus but also leads to division and harmful practices within the church community. Throughout the New Testament, there are numerous examples of disputes and divisions within the early Christian communities (1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Galatians 5:15).

Section 3: “and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
This section further emphasizes the negative consequences of false teachings, including increasing strife and division among believers. The reference to individuals seeing godliness as a means for financial gain reflects a distortion of true faith for personal benefit, which is condemned in the Bible. Jesus warned against the love of money and the dangers of serving both God and wealth (Matthew 6:24). The pursuit of material wealth at the expense of spiritual values is a recurring theme in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 underscores the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and rejecting false teachings within the Christian community. It warns against individuals who promote divisive, self-serving doctrines that distort the message of Christ. The passage serves as a reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, grounded in the teachings of Jesus, and to guard against anything that may lead them away from the truth.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

The following sections are crucial in 1 Timothy 6:6-10. Verse 6: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, emphasizes the importance of godliness paired with contentment. This union is depicted as a source of great gain or wealth. Here, Paul is teaching that finding contentment in a godly life is a treasure far greater than material possessions. This perspective challenges the prevailing idea of wealth and success in society, highlighting the spiritual wealth that comes from a life lived in alignment with God’s principles. It echoes the teachings of Jesus, such as in Matthew 6:33, where He emphasizes seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the promise that all these things (material needs) will be added.

1. Verse 7: “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
   Paul reminds Timothy, and us by extension, that our earthly possessions are transient. At birth, we come into this world with nothing, and when we depart, we cannot take our possessions with us. This sobering truth underscores the futility of placing excessive value on material wealth and possessions. It directs our focus towards eternal values and investments rather than temporary riches. Ecclesiastes 5:15 similarly discusses the transience of material wealth, stating, “Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs.”

2. Verse 8: “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
   Paul continues his discourse on contentment by highlighting the essentials for living a contented life – food and clothing. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34, where He instructs His followers not to worry about material needs but to trust in God’s provision. This verse encourages believers to simplify their desires, focusing on necessities rather than chasing after luxuries or excessive wealth. It reinforces the idea that true contentment comes from a heart that is satisfied in God, not in material possessions.

3. **Verses 9-10: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Paul issues a strong warning about the dangers of the love of money and the pursuit of wealth in these verses. He cautions that the desire for riches can lead people into temptation, traps, foolish desires, ruin, and destruction. The famous phrase, “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,” is often misquoted as “money is the root of all evil.” The distinction is crucial; money itself is not evil, but the love of it above all else can lead to moral downfall. This warning aligns with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 6:24, where He states that one cannot serve both God and money. It also connects to the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-27, where Jesus challenges a wealthy man to give up his possessions to follow Him, highlighting the difficulty of those who place their trust in riches. The passage in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 serves as a reminder of the importance of godliness, contentment, and the dangers of pursuing wealth at the expense of spiritual values. The timeless message conveyed urges believers to seek true wealth in a life of godliness and contentment, placing their ultimate trust in God rather than in material possessions.

1 Timothy 6:11-16

1. Breakdown:
2. “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”

3. “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. God gives life to everything and Christ Jesus testified before Pontius Pilate, making the good confession. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.”

4. Paul, the author of 1 Timothy, addresses Timothy, urging him to stay true to his faith and avoid the distractions and temptations of the world. Paul refers to Timothy as a “man of God,” highlighting his role as a leader in the Christian community.

5. Paul emphasizes the importance of actively pursuing qualities and virtues that reflect a life dedicated to God. This includes righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. These virtues are not only to be possessed but actively pursued and lived out in one’s daily life.
6. The reference to “fighting the good fight of the faith” alludes to the spiritual battle that believers face in upholding their faith amidst challenges and opposition. Paul reminds Timothy of the ultimate goal and reward of his faith by encouraging him to “take hold of eternal life.”
7. Paul draws a parallel between Timothy’s confession of faith and that of Christ Jesus before Pontius Pilate. This highlights the significance of boldly standing firm in one’s faith even in the face of adversity and persecution. Jesus’ unwavering commitment to the truth serves as a model for Timothy and all believers.

8. The passage concludes with a powerful doxology, acknowledging God as the ultimate authority and ruler over all creation. This declaration of God’s sovereignty and holiness serves as a reminder of His eternal nature and unmatched glory. The language used underscores the awe-inspiring majesty of God and calls for reverence and adoration.

9. Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus in Philippians 3:14. This echoes the idea of striving for the eternal life mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:12.

10. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to run with perseverance the race marked out for them, fixing their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. This aligns with Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to fight the good fight of faith and hold onto eternal life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

1. Breakdown of the Verse into Important Sections:

2. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth”

3. “which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,”
4. “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
5. “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,”

6. “and to be generous and willing to share. “They will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age in this way.””

7. The Apostle Paul is instructing Timothy on how to address the wealthy members of the congregation in this passage. He first commands the rich not to be arrogant or overly dependent on their riches. Wealth is fragile and can disappear in an instant, so putting one’s hope and security in it is unstable. Instead, their trust should be in God, who generously provides everything for humanity’s enjoyment. This contrasts the temporary nature of material wealth with the eternal reliability of God.

Paul urges the rich to be rich in good deeds, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. This aligns with Jesus’ teachings, like in Matthew 19:21, when Jesus tells the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor. Acts of kindness and generosity are highly valued in Christianity, reflecting God’s own nature of abundance and mercy.

The concept of laying up treasure in heaven, as mentioned in Matthew 6:20, is reinforced here by Paul. The rich will store up treasures in the spiritual realm by being generous and using their wealth to help others, creating an everlasting foundation for the future. This echoes the idea that earthly possessions hold no weight in the afterlife, but the good deeds done on earth will have eternal significance.

The ultimate goal of these instructions is for the rich to grasp hold of true life, a life that is found in selflessness, generosity, and service to others. This echoes the central message of Christianity, that life is not about accumulating wealth or possessions but about loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-39). The rich will not only benefit themselves spiritually but will also have a positive impact on the community around them by living in this way.

1. Relevance of Other Bible Verses:

2. Luke 12:33-34: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This verse aligns with the idea of storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

3. Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” This verse emphasizes the idea of generosity leading to blessings, which is in harmony with Paul’s advice to the rich in 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

1 Timothy 6:20-21

1. “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.”

2. The apostle Paul is addressing Timothy, his protege in faith, urging him to protect and uphold the teachings he has received in this section. Paul emphasizes the importance of Timothy’s role in guarding the core truths of the Christian faith and warns against being swayed by empty, worldly philosophies that contradict the Gospel. The mention of “godless chatter” and “opposing ideas falsely called knowledge” can be understood as a reference to false teachings that were creeping into the early Christian community. Paul encourages Timothy to steer clear of these distractions and to stay focused on the fundamental tenets of the faith.

This instruction from Paul to Timothy underscores the timeless message of the Bible about the importance of sound doctrine and unwavering faith. Throughout the New Testament, believers are constantly reminded to be discerning and to hold fast to the truth amidst various false teachings and worldly influences. Paul uses the metaphor of putting on the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:11-12 to stand against the schemes of the devil, highlighting the spiritual battle that Christians are engaged in.

The mention of those who have strayed from the faith serves as a cautionary tale for Timothy and all believers. It serves as a reminder that even those who once professed faith can be led astray by false teachings and deceptive ideologies. Jesus himself warns about false prophets in Matthew 24:11, who will lead many astray, highlighting the need for vigilance and discernment among believers.

Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to guard the deposit of faith also resonates with the broader biblical narrative of faithfulness and perseverance in the face of challenges. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of faithful individuals who remained steadfast in their commitment to God despite opposition or temptation. The story of Job, for instance, illustrates how he remained faithful to God even in the midst of intense suffering and adversity, ultimately being rewarded for his unwavering trust in God (Job 42:12). Paul’s encouragement to Timothy reflects the call for believers to stand firm in their faith and to protect the precious truth of the Gospel from distortion and dilution.

After 1 Timothy 6

The apostle Paul’s words to Timothy in this chapter serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers of greed and the pursuit of wealth. He cautions that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, leading some astray from the faith. Instead, Timothy is urged to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Let us consider how we might apply these profound teachings to our own lives as we reflect on them. For the path to true contentment and eternal life is not found in the accumulation of earthly possessions, but in the cultivation of a heart that is devoted to the Lord. May we heed Paul’s exhortation and strive to be “rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. Timothy will explore how to conduct himself as a minister of the gospel, guiding the flock entrusted to his care in the next chapter. We should approach this with open hearts, ready to be challenged and transformed by the wisdom of God’s word.