1 Timothy 1
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of Goda our Saviorb and of Christ Jesus our hope,c
2To Timothyd my true sone in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.f
Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers
3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,g stay there in Ephesush so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrinesi any longer 4or to devote themselves to mythsj and endless genealogies.k Such things promote controversial speculationsl rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heartm and a good consciencen and a sincere faith.o 6Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7They want to be teachersp of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.q
8We know that the law is goodr if one uses it properly. 9We also know that the law is made not for the righteouss but for lawbreakers and rebels,t the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrineu 11that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.v
The Lord’s Grace to Paul
12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,w that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.x 13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutory and a violent man, I was shown mercyz because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.a 14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,b along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.c
15Here is a trustworthy sayingd that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnerse—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercyf so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patienceg as an example for those who would believeh in him and receive eternal life.i 17Now to the Kingj eternal, immortal,k invisible,l the only God,m be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.n
The Charge to Timothy Renewed
18Timothy, my son,o I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you,p so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,q 19holding on to faith and a good conscience,r which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.s 20Among them are Hymenaeust and Alexander,u whom I have handed over to Satanv to be taught not to blaspheme.
1 Timothy 2
Instructions on Worship
1I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,a intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2for kings and all those in authority,b that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godlinessc and holiness. 3This is good, and pleasesd God our Savior,e 4who wantsf all peopleg to be savedh and to come to a knowledge of the truth.i 5For there is one Godj and one mediatork between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,l 6who gave himself as a ransomm for all people. This has now been witnessed ton at the proper time.o 7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lyingp—and a true and faithful teacherq of the Gentiles.r Map: Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey c. ad 62–68 Article: Will “All People” Be Saved?
8Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy handss without anger or disputing. 9I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,t 10but with good deeds,u appropriate for women who profess to worship God. Article: Women and Authority in the Church
11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.v 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.w 13For Adam was formed first, then Eve.x 14And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.y 15But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, lovez and holiness with propriety.
1 Timothy 3
Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons
1Here is a trustworthy saying:a Whoever aspires to be an overseerb desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer is to be above reproach,c faithful to his wife,d temperate,e self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,f able to teach,g 3not given to drunkenness,h not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,i not a lover of money.j 4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.k 5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)l 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceitedm and fall under the same judgmentn as the devil. 7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,o so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.p Chart: Qualifications for Elders/Overseers and Deacons
8In the same way, deacons,q are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,r and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.s 10They must first be tested;t and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkersu but temperatev and trustworthy in everything.
12A deacon must be faithful to his wifew and must manage his children and his household well.x 13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Reasons for Paul’s Instructions
14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, 15if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the churchy of the living God,z the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16Beyond all question, the mysterya from which true godlinessb springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,c
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,d
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.e
1 Timothy 4
1The Spirita clearly says that in later timesb some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spiritsc and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.d 3They forbid people to marrye and order them to abstain from certain foods,f which God createdg to be received with thanksgivingh by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good,i and nothing is to be rejectedj if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of Godk and prayer.
6If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faithl and of the good teaching that you have followed.m 7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;n rather, train yourself to be godly.o 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,p holding promise for both the present lifeq and the life to come.r 9This is a trustworthy sayings that deserves full acceptance. 10That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,t who is the Savior of all people,u and especially of those who believe.
11Command and teach these things.v 12Don’t let anyone look down on youw because you are young, but set an examplex for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faithy and in purity. 13Until I come,z devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,a to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecyb when the body of eldersc laid their hands on you.d
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will savee both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 5
Widows, Elders and Slaves
1Do not rebuke an older mana harshly,b but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger menc as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
3Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.d 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents,e for this is pleasing to God.f 5The widow who is really in needg and left all alone puts her hope in Godh and continues night and day to prayi and to ask God for help. 6But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.j 7Give the people these instructions,k so that no one may be open to blame. 8Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has deniedl the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10and is well known for her good deeds,m such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,n washing the feeto of the Lord’s people, helping those in troublep and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
11As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodiesq who talk nonsense,r saying things they ought not to. 14So I counsel younger widows to marry,s to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.t 15Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.u
16If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.v
17The eldersw who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,x especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”,y and “The worker deserves his wages.”,z 19Do not entertain an accusation against an eldera unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.b 20But those elders who are sinning you are to reprovec before everyone, so that the others may take warning.d 21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesuse and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,f and do not share in the sins of others.g Keep yourself pure.h
23Stop drinking only water, and use a little winei because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
1 Timothy 6
1All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect,a so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.b 2Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers.c 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.
False Teachers and the Love of Money
These are the things you are to teach and insist on.d 3If anyone teaches otherwisee and does not agree to the sound instructionf of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4they are conceitedg and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about wordsh that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truthi and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6But godliness with contentmentj is great gain.k 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.l 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.m 9Those who want to get richn fall into temptation and a trapo and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10For the love of moneyp is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faithq and pierced themselves with many griefs.r
Final Charge to Timothy
11But you, man of God,s flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,t faith, love,u endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fightv of the faith. Take hold ofw the eternal lifex to which you were called when you made your good confessiony in the presence of many witnesses. 13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilatez made the good confession,a I charge youb 14to keep this command without spot or blamec until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,d 15which God will bring about in his own timee—God, the blessedf and only Ruler,g the King of kings and Lord of lords,h 16who alone is immortali and who lives in unapproachable light,j whom no one has seen or can see.k To him be honor and might forever. Amen.l
17Command those who are richm in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,n which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,o who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.p 18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,q and to be generous and willing to share.r 19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselvess as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold oft the life that is truly life.
20Timothy, guard what has been entrustedu to your care. Turn away from godless chatterv and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.w
Grace be with you all.x
1 2:11 Or wife; also in verse 12
2 2:12 Or over her husband
2 3:8 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in verse 12; and in Romans 16:1 and Phil. 1:1.
3 3:11 Possibly deacons’ wives or women who are deacons
4 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit
1 4:6 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
1 6:2 Or and benefit from the service
1:3–11 In this section, along with 4:1–8; 6:3–5,20–21, Paul warns against heretical teachers in the Ephesian church, some of whom may be elders who lead in their house churches. They are characterized by (1) teaching “false doctrines” (v. 3; see 6:3); (2) building up endless, far-fetched, fictitious stories based on obscure genealogical points (v. 4; 4:7); (3) being argumentative (v. 4; 6:4); (4) using talk that was “meaningless” (v. 6); (5) wanting to be teachers of the OT law (v. 7); (6) being conceited (v. 7; 6:4); (7) not knowing what they were talking about (v. 7; 6:4); (8) teaching ascetic practices (4:3); and (9) using their positions of religious leadership for “financial gain” (6:5). These heretics may have been forerunners of the Gnostics (see 6:20 and note).
1:4 myths. Perhaps mythical stories expanding on OT narratives (“genealogies”). See, for example, the Jewish intertestamental work, Jubilees.
1:12 Christ . . . has given me strength. See 2Co 12:9–10; Php 4:13 and notes. appointing me to his service. See v. 1 and note.
1:13 a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man. See Ac 9:1; 22:4–5,19; 26:10–11 and note on 26:11. Paul may be sharing his dark past to encourage the false teachers to turn from their errors and embrace the truth.
1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying. A clause found nowhere else in the NT but used five times in the Pastorals (here; 3:1; 4:9; 2Ti 2:11; Titus 3:8) to identify a key teaching. of whom I am the worst. The closer one gets to a holy God, the more the magnitude of one’s sin becomes evident (cf. Isa 6:5; see 1Co 15:9; Eph 3:8 and note).
1:18 son. See v. 2 and note. prophecies once made about you. In the early church God revealed his will in various matters through prophets (see Ac 13:1–3, where prophets had an active role in sending Paul and Barnabas on their mission to the Gentiles). In Timothy’s case a prophecy may have occurred at the time of or before his ordination (4:14), perhaps about 12 years earlier on Paul’s second missionary journey (Ac 16:1–3). fight the battle well. See 6:12; 2Ti 2:3; 4:7 and note.
1:19 suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. The truths of the faith and the internal prodding of conscience (cf. Ro 2:15) are trustworthy guides for life. Rejecting these is like removing a rudder from a ship. Wreckage is likely.
1:20 Hymenaeus. See 2Ti 2:17–18. Alexander. Perhaps the Alexander of 2Ti 4:14. handed over to Satan. Such action would protect the church from false teaching and also discipline the offenders (see Mt 18:17 and note). Paul had excluded these two men from the church, which was considered a sanctuary from Satan’s power. Out in the world, away from the fellowship and care of the church, they would be “taught” (the Greek word means basically “to discipline”) “not to blaspheme.” The purpose of such drastic action was more remedial than punitive. For a similar situation, see 1Co 5:5,13 and note on 5:5.
2:1–2 prayers . . . for kings and all those in authority. See Jer 29:7; 1Pe 2:13 and note. The notorious Roman emperor Nero (ad 54–68) was in power when Paul wrote these words.
2:2 godliness. A key word (along with “godly”) in the Pastorals, occurring ten times (here; 3:16; 4:7–8; 6:3,5–6,11; 2Ti 3:5; Titus 1:1), but nowhere else in the writings of Paul. It implies a good and holy life, with special emphasis on its source, a deep reverence for God.
2:4 wants all people to be saved. God has provided salvation for all, but only those who receive it by faith are saved (see 4:10 and note; see also Ro 5:18; 2Co 5:14–15; 2Pe 3:9; 1Jn 2:2 and notes).
2:5 there is one God. The basic belief of Judaism (see Dt 6:4 and note), which every Jew confessed daily in the Shema (see Mk 12:29 and note). mediator. One who represents God to humans and humans to God—and who removes all alienation between them by offering himself as “a ransom for all” (v. 6). Cf. Jn 14:6; Heb 8:6 and notes.
2:6 ransom. See Mt 20:28 and note. witnessed. Refers to the apostolic testimony that Christ gave himself as the ransom. proper time. See Gal 4:4 and note.
2:7 for this purpose. To testify that, through his death, Christ has bridged the gap between God and human beings and made salvation available to all. herald. See 2Ti 1:11; one who with authority makes a public proclamation. apostle. See 1Co 1:1 and note.
2:8 men. The Greek for this word does not refer to humankind (as in vv. 5–6) but to males as distinct from females. Women also prayed in public, however (see 1Co 11:5 and note).
2:9–15 Some maintain that Paul’s teaching about women here is specific to the situation of false teaching in Ephesus and therefore not universal and timeless. Others view Paul’s teaching here as timeless and therefore applicable to every age. See also article.
2:11 should learn. The only Greek imperative (command) in all of vv. 11–15, and a countercultural one in a society where women were often not allowed to receive public religious instruction.
2:15 saved through childbearing. Three meanings have been proposed: (1) This speaks of the godly woman finding fulfillment in her role as wife and mother, thus being “saved” from the evils besetting the Ephesian church (see 5:11–14); (2) it refers to women being saved spiritually through the most significant birth of all, the incarnation of Christ; or (3) it refers to women being kept physically safe in childbirth, not in any absolute sense, but as an outgrowth of the Christian commitment to care for one another.
3:1 trustworthy saying. See note on 1:15. overseer. In Greek culture the word was used of a presiding official in a civic or religious organization. Here it refers to a man (see v. 2) who oversees a local congregation. The equivalent word from the Jewish background of Christianity is “elder.” The terms “overseer” and “elder” are often used interchangeably (see Ac 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5–7; see also note on 1Pe 5:2). The duties of an overseer were to teach and preach (3:2; 5:17), to direct the affairs of the church (3:5; 5:17), to shepherd (“pastor”) the flock of God (Ac 20:28; see note there) and to guard the church from error (Ac 20:28–31).
3:2 overseer is to be. See chart. faithful to his wife. A general principle that applies to any violation of God’s marriage law, whether in the form of polygamy or of marital unfaithfulness (see note on Titus 1:6).
3:8 deacons. In its nontechnical usage, the Greek for this word means simply “one who serves.” The men chosen in Ac 6:1–6 are not called deacons but seem to have fulfilled a similar role (see note on Ac 6:6). Generally, their service was meant to free the elders to give full attention to prayer and the ministry of the word (Ac 6:2,4). The only two local church offices mentioned in the NT are those of overseer (also called elder; see note on v. 1) and deacon (Php 1:1). See chart.
3:10 be tested. Before individuals could serve as deacons, they had to demonstrate before the church the qualities described in vv. 8–9.
3:11 the women. Could refer to (1) deacons’ wives or (2) women deacons (see NIV text note). The fact that deacons are referred to again in vv. 12–13 seems to indicate that Paul refers to male deacons distinctly from women who might have fulfilled a similar role (see Ro 16:1 and note).
3:12 faithful to his wife. See v. 2 and note.
3:14 I am writing . . . so that. Here, in brief, Paul states his purpose for writing the letter—to give instructions concerning church conduct in a situation that sorely needed his correction (v. 15).
3:15 God’s household. The family of God, made up of believers. pillar and foundation of the truth. See 2Ti 2:19 and note.
3:16 mystery from which true godliness springs. See Ro 11:25; Col 1:26 and notes. The phrase means the “revealed secret of true piety,” i.e., the secret that produces piety in people. That secret, as the following words indicate, is none other than Jesus Christ. His incarnation, in all its aspects (particularly his saving work), is the source of genuine piety. The words are printed in poetic form and probably come from an early creedal hymn (see note on Col 3:16). godliness. See 2:2 and note. vindicated by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit enabled Jesus to drive out demons (Mt 12:28) and perform miracles. Most important, the Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (see Ro 1:4; cf. 1Pe 3:18 and note) and thereby vindicated him, showing that he was indeed the Son of God. seen by angels. At his resurrection (Mt 28:2) and ascension (Ac 1:10; see note there). taken up in glory. See Lk 24:51; Ac 1:9–12 and notes.
4:4 everything God created is good. See Ge 1:4, 10,12,18,21,25,31 and note on 1:4; see also Titus 1:15 and note. nothing is to be rejected. Paul is here not contradicting Scriptural teaching elsewhere (including his own; cf., e.g., Ro 6–8; Gal 5:13—6:10; Eph 4:17—6:9) regarding holy living, but is focusing primarily on misguided prohibitions against marriage and eating certain foods (v. 3).
4:6 brothers and sisters. See NIV text note. good teaching that you have followed. Even from early childhood (see 2Ti 3:15 and note).
4:7 myths. See 1:4 and note. train yourself to be godly. See 2:2 and note. Godliness requires self-discipline.
4:9 trustworthy saying. See note on 1:15. Here the expression probably refers back to the seemingly proverbial statement in v. 8. The words “labor and strive” in v. 10 may refer to the training mentioned in vv. 7b–8.
4:10 hope. See note on 1:1. Savior of all. Obviously this does not mean that God saves every person from eternal punishment, for such universalism would contradict the clear testimony of Scripture. God is, however, the Savior of all in that he offers salvation to all and saves all who come to him (all “who believe”).
4:12 because you are young. Cf. Jer 1:7 and note. Timothy was probably in his mid-30s or younger, and in that day such an influential position was not usually held by a man so young. For this reason his leadership may have been called into question. example. See Titus 2:7–8 and note.
4:13 Until I come. Paul’s journey had taken him from Ephesus to Macedonia (see map), but he hoped to rejoin Timothy soon at Ephesus (3:14).
4:16 save both yourself and your hearers. Save from the errors and false teaching he described earlier (vv. 1–3,7). Timothy is to accomplish this by communicating truth by his “life and doctrine.” Such behavior and teaching would strengthen the church and point unbelievers toward faith in Jesus Christ.
5:3 Give proper recognition to those widows. Probably refers to respecting and taking care of them, including the giving of material support. Widows were particularly vulnerable in ancient societies because pensions, government assistance, life insurance and the like were not available to anyone.
5:6 dead even while she lives. Dead spiritually, while living physically.
5:8 the faith. See note on 3:9. Apostolic teaching emphasized social responsibility. worse than an unbeliever. Even in the pagan world of that time, people generally took care of their family members. This verse teaches nothing about a man having to be the “breadwinner” for a family.
5:9 The church in Ephesus seems to have maintained a “list of widows” supported by the church. While there is no other evidence in the first century of an official position held by widows comparable to that of the overseers, one would develop in early church history and later be transformed into the role of a nun. The widows on the list were apparently expected to devote themselves to prayer (v. 5) and good deeds (v. 10).
5:10 washing the feet of the Lord’s people. A menial and demeaning task, but necessary in NT times because of dusty roads and the wearing of sandals (Jn 13:14–15 and notes). the Lord’s people. See note on Col 1:4.
5:12 broken their first pledge. Perhaps when a widow was added to the list she pledged special devotion to Christ, which would be diminished by remarriage. Or Paul may be referring to the believer’s basic trust in Christ, which a widow would compromise by marrying outside the faith. Most likely, she pledged to remain celibate so that remarriage would force her to break that vow.
5:17 All elders were to exercise leadership (3:4–5) and to teach and preach (3:2), and all were to receive honor. But those who excelled in leadership were to be counted “worthy of double honor.” This was especially true of those who labored at teaching and preaching. (The Greek word translated “work” refers to toil.) That such honor should include financial support is indicated by the two illustrations in v. 18.
5:18 Scripture. The use of this term for both an Old Testament (Dt 25:4) and a New Testament (Lk 10:7) passage, if it is referring to both, shows that by this time portions of the NT (or what ultimately became a part of the NT) were considered to be equal in authority to the OT Scriptures (see 2Pe 3:16 and note). Do not muzzle . . . grain. See 1Co 9:9–11 and notes on 9:9,11.
5:20 those elders who are sinning. The context indicates that Paul is speaking of the discipline of elders (cf. 1:3)
5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands. Paul is speaking about the appointing of elders (see 4:14 and note), which should not be done until candidates have had time to prove themselves. Given the probable situation of false teaching by elders in the Ephesian house churches, Timothy’s role of removing and appointing elders was central to his mission there. do not share in the sins of others. Do not appoint a person unworthy of the office of elder. Keep yourself pure. Probably refers here to refusal to become involved in the appointment of an unworthy person.
5:23 Stop drinking only water. A parenthetical comment in Paul’s discussion of elders. In view of Timothy’s physical ailments, and perhaps because safe drinking water was often difficult to find, Paul advised him to drink “a little wine.” Scripture does not forbid the moderate use of alcohol.
5:24–25 sins of some . . . good deeds. Paul advises being alert to hidden sins, as well as to good deeds, in the lives of those being considered for the office of elder.
6:2b These . . . things. Paul’s preceding instructions.
6:5 robbed of the truth. They had once known the truth but had been led into error. who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. See notes on 2Co 2:17; 11:7.
6:9 Wealth by itself is not a mark of sinfulness. But when wealth becomes the primary goal of one’s life, it blinds its pursuers to its dangers (cf. v. 10) and to the greater contentment of godliness (vv. 6,17; see Lk 12:13–21 and note on 12:13).
6:12 Fight the good fight. The life of faith requires disciplined effort (see 1:18 and note). Take hold of . . . eternal life. Timothy had possessed eternal life since he had first been saved, but Paul urges him to claim its benefits in greater fullness (see vv. 17–19 and note on 4:16). when you made your good confession. Perhaps a reference to Timothy’s confession of faith at his baptism during Paul’s first missionary journey.
6:13 who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession. Probably a reference to Jesus’ statements recorded in Jn 18:34–37; 19:11.
6:14 this command. The preceding context seems to indicate that Paul uses the singular “command” to sum up the various commands listed in vv. 11–12. Alternatively, the command may refer to the whole charge given to Timothy to preach the gospel and care for the church (v. 20), which in turn points back to the original command in 1:3 to deal with false teaching.
6:15 in his own time. Just as Jesus’ first coming occurred at the precise time God wanted (Gal 4:4), so also his second coming will be at God’s appointed time. King of kings and Lord of lords. See Rev 17:14 and note; 19:16.
6:16 whom no one has seen or can see. See Jn 1:18 and note.
6:19 lay up treasure. See Mt 6:19–21 and note; 19:21; Lk 12:33 and note. life that is truly life. The fullest experience of human life as God intended it to be (cf. Jn 10:10).
6:20 what has been entrusted to your care. The gospel (see 2Ti 1:14). what is falsely called knowledge. Perhaps a reference to an early form of the heresy of Gnosticism, which taught that one may be saved by knowledge. (The term “Gnosticism” comes from the Greek word for knowledge; see Introduction to 1 John: Gnosticism.)
6:21 Grace. See note on Ro 1:7. with you. See note on 2Co 13:14. you all. The plural indicates that Paul expects his letter to Timothy to be read to the entire Ephesian congregation (see note on 2Ti 4:22).