Service and the pursuit of gain
1 Timothy 6:1–10FocusGodliness with contentment
Connection to the wholeInstructions about servants lead into warnings against corrupt teaching and the destructive desire to be rich.
interpretation 1 Timothy 6:18
KJVThat they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Read it in context
Wealth and the entrusted deposit
Start reading at 1 Timothy 6:17 (1 Timothy 6:17 to 1 Timothy 6:21).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The wealthy are directed toward trust in God and good works, and Timothy is charged to guard what has been entrusted to him.
- 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
- 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
- 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
- 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
- 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 4:1–6:21): Paul instructs Timothy in teaching and caring for the congregation, including its older and younger members, widows, elders, servants, and wealthy members. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Wealth and the entrusted deposit. Read 1 Timothy 6:17 through 1 Timothy 6:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The wealthy are directed toward trust in God and good works, and Timothy is charged to guard what has been entrusted to him. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter recalls Paul's departure into Macedonia and Timothy's charge at Ephesus. It does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Timothy's assignment is associated with Ephesus. Some instructions concern assemblies and households rather than a single scene. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Wealth and the entrusted deposit (1 Timothy 6:17 to 1 Timothy 6:21). Start reading at 1 Timothy 6:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's saving work and, in the KJV, confesses God manifested in the flesh. Read the household and ministry instructions in relation to the truth the church is charged to uphold. See 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Guard sound teaching, practice godliness, and care responsibly for the congregation and vulnerable people. Keep the addressed situations visible when applying instructions about leaders and households. interpretation
Cited: 1 Timothy 6:17, 1 Timothy 6:21, 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Timothy 1:1
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedMany critical scholars treat the three Pastoral Epistles as later, based on vocabulary and church structure.
Related passages
- they do 2 Chr 24:16 Ps 37:3 Eccl 3:12 Luke 6:33-35 Acts 10:38 Gal 6:10 Heb 13:16 1 Pet 3:11
- rich 1 Tim 5:10 Luke 12:21 Acts 9:36 Titus 2:14 Titus 3:8 Jas 2:5
- ready Deut 15:7-11 Ps 112:9 Prov 11:24-25 Eccl 11:1-2,6 Isa 32:8 Isa 58:7 Luke 6:35 Luke 14:12-14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 6
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
Timothy's personal charge
1 Timothy 6:11–16FocusPursue righteousness and keep the command
Connection to the wholePaul calls Timothy to flee these dangers, fight the good fight of faith, and keep the commandment under God's sight.
interpretation FocusGenerosity and faithful keeping
Connection to the wholeThe wealthy are directed toward trust in God and good works, and Timothy is charged to guard what has been entrusted to him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
1 Timothy 1:1 1 Timothy 1:2 1 Timothy 1:3 1 Timothy 3:15
The charge and the gospel
1 Timothy 1:1–20FocusSound teaching and Paul's mercy
Connection to the wholePaul identifies the problem of contrary teaching and grounds Timothy's charge in the gospel and the mercy shown to Paul.
interpretation Prayer, conduct, and leadership
1 Timothy 2:1–3:16FocusOrder in God's house
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
interpretation False teaching and faithful ministry
1 Timothy 4:1–16FocusDoctrine joined to example
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
interpretation Care and responsibility
1 Timothy 5:1–6:2FocusAge groups, widows, elders, and servants
Connection to the wholePractical directions apply the church's calling to material support, honour, correction, and daily relationships.
interpretation FocusGodliness, wealth, and keeping the trust
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.