1 Timothy chapter 6
6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke (or, "let all those who are under the yoke as slaves"): This gives
instructions to slaves of unbelieving masters, while verse 2 instructs slaves under Christian masters. The name of
God refers to His reputation.
6:2 Christianity creates equality of standing before God. Because some believing slaves felt there should also be
social equality, they despised their Christian masters. Christians slaves are not to despise their believing masters;
rather do them service [but serve them all the better]. Because they are faithful, and so on, may be translated,
"Because those who partake of this good service [the slaves' fine work] are believers and dear to God." The phrase
these things refers to the contents of this epistle. Timothy is to teach (explain the letter's truths to the church) and
exhort (urge the people to comply with Paul's instructions).
6:3 Consent not means that one does not agree with or adhere to. Wholesome words are teaching that are sound
(correct) and promote spiritual health. Doctrine which is according to godliness is doctrine that is in accord with, and
leads to, godliness.
6:4, 5 These verses may be rendered, "He is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a morbid interest about
controversies and disputes over words, from which come envy, strife, defamation, evil suspicions, constant irritations
between men who are morally corrupt in thinking, bereft of the truth, and who suppose that godliness is a means of
financial profit."
6:7 And it is certain we can carry nothing out (or, "because we are unable to carry anything out"): Man enters the
world at birth possessing nothing, in order to teach him that he will exit the world in the same manner--taking nothing
with him. This is a divine means of showing man that material wealth is relatively insignificant, he should pursue the
important things mentioned in verse 11.
6:8 This verse prevents the wrong understanding of verse 7, that material possessions have no place in the
Christian's life. By figure of speech food and raiment stand for all of life's basic necessities. These are all the
believer needs, and having these he can be content.
6:9 They that will be rich are those whose ambition is to be rich.
6:10 The root of all evil means a root or source of all kinds of evil. The love for money is not the only source from
which evils come. Coveted after means that some have "striven after" money as the goal of life.
6:11 Flee these things means shun a love for money (verse 10) and the striving for material wealth (verse 9) with all
its resulting woes. Follow after means pursue. Righteousness is practical correctness, conforming to God's will in
one's thinking and acting. Godliness is proper reverence for, and obedience to, God. Faith is a trust in God that
grows stronger. Love is a maturing affection for God and man. Patience is perseverance or steadfastness in life and
service. Meekness is gentleness.
6:12 The good fight concerns the daily struggle with sin in the Christian life, and the hardships and adversities in the
ministry. A genuine believer demonstrates the reality of his faith by being engaged in this warfare. Lay hold on
eternal life does not negate the fact that a believer now possesses spiritual life (John 3:36); rather, it speaks of full
realizing or appropriating salvation as the believer matures.
6:13 A charge is a command. Quickeneth contains the idea of giving life to. Since God gives life to all things, He can
also enable Timothy to "fight the good fight" (verse 12).
6:14 This commandment refers back to the charge in verse 13 which embraces the injunctions of verses 11, 12.
Thus, "this commandment" is the charge to pursue godliness (verse 11) and to fulfill ones ministry (verse 12).
Without spot, unrebukable means Timothy is to be meticulous in his obedience of verses 11-13, that is, without fault,
and failure in compliance.
6:15 We may read the first part of the verse, "Which [Jesus' appearing of 6:14] He will make visible at the proper
time." A Potentate is a sovereign ruler.
6:17, 18 Paul charges wealthy believers (1) not to be proud and look down on those who are not rich, (2) to confide
in God rather than in unstable riches, (3) to be rich in good works by generously sharing their surplus of financial
resources with the needy. To be ready to distribute is to be generous in sharing. To be willing to communicate is to
be liberal in giving.
6:19 When wealthy believers generously share (verse 18), they secure an assurance (laying up in store for
themselves a good foundation) that in the future (against the time to come) they will indeed enter heaven (lay hold
on eternal life). Salvation is not purchased by the giving of money, but generosity demonstrates the reality of one's
faith. Since the believer trusts God and not money, he gives. This giving shows where his heart is and that he views
his wealth in light of eternity.
6:20 That which is committed to Timothy's trust is a knowledge of the trust imparted by Paul. He is to keep or guard
it. To ensure this, Timothy must turn away from vain babblings [empty talk devoid of truth], and oppositions
(heretical arguments used to oppose truth).
6:21 Those who erred went astray from the truth.