ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 1 Timothy 6

1 Tim. 6:1–2a Paul addresses Christian slaves (or “bondservants”; see esv footnote and note on 1 Cor. 7:21), who may be serving either believing or unbelieving masters. This issue shows up often in the NT (Eph. 6:5–8; Col. 3:22–25; 1 Pet. 2:18–25).

1 Tim. 6:1 worthy of all honor. See note on 5:1–6:2a. may not be reviled. See 2:2; 3:7; 5:7; 14; see note on Titus 2:5.

1 Tim. 6:2b–21 Confronting the False Teaching Again. This concluding section is very similar to the opening section (1:3–20). Both include discussion about false teachers (1:3–7; 18–20; 6:2b–10; 20–21). Both contain encouragement for Timothy in light of this false teaching. Both call him to fight the good fight of faith against it (1:18; 6:12). Both contain a blessing (1:17; 6:15–16).

1 Tim. 6:2b–10 Paul notes the false teachers’ greed and their apparent misuse of the faith for material gain.

1 Tim. 6:2b These things most likely refers to the preceding section of instructions (5:1–6:2a), but it could refer to all that Paul has taught so far in the letter.

1 Tim. 6:3 sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus’ teaching and work direct Paul’s understanding and application of the gospel.

1 Tim. 6:5 depraved in mind. The false teachers have faulty reasoning (v. 4; 1:7; 2 Tim. 3:8). Since the gospel is the truth, to deny it is to think in an incorrect way.

1 Tim. 6:9–10 The desire to be rich leads one to fall into temptation. Love of money has led some to wander away from the faith (see 1:19).

1 Tim. 6:11–16 Paul contrasts Timothy and the false teachers. True ministry is not motivated by greed. It is motivated by the reality of eternal life and an awareness of accountability to God.

1 Tim. 6:11–12 Man of God affirms Timothy’s authority and contrasts him with the false teachers. “Man of God” is used in the OT to describe a prophet (Deut. 33:1; 1 Sam. 9:6). The call to fight the good fight of the faith and to take hold of the eternal life includes fleeing sin and pursuing virtue (see note on 2 Tim. 2:22).

1 Tim. 6:13–14 This is another solemn charge (see 5:21 and note). Jesus’ good confession before Pontius Pilate (see Matt. 27:11; John 18:37) sets the example for the believer’s good confession.

1 Tim. 6:15–16 Timothy must continue in his work because he knows that one day he will stand before God. Paul stresses God’s glory in contrast to the smallness of Timothy’s opponents.

1 Tim. 6:17–19 Paul corrects the false teachers’ view of wealth. He stresses that riches are only for “this present age.” This focus on using wealth to prepare “for the future” could mean (1) that how people use their wealth demonstrates whether they are saved, or (2) that Paul urges them to care more about eternal riches than earthly riches, or (3) both.

1 Tim. 6:18 rich in good works. Some rich people may not need to work to earn a living. They may have opportunities to spend their time doing “good works” for others and building up the church.

1 Tim. 6:20–21 In this brief closing, Paul repeats his charge to Timothy (1:3–5, 18–20).

1 Tim. 6:20 the deposit entrusted to you. The gospel. what is falsely called “knowledge.” The false teaching addressed in the letter. The false teachers’ rejection of “the truth” (that is, the gospel; see note on 2:4) means that their teaching cannot be true knowledge.