1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy 6, the final chapter of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, written around AD 62–64, likely from Macedonia, provides practical instructions for Christian conduct, addressing relationships, false teaching, contentment, and the responsibilities of the wealthy. Paul charges Timothy to guard the faith and remain steadfast, concluding with a doxology and personal exhortation.
Key Sections
Slaves and Masters (6:1–2): Slaves should honor masters, especially Christian ones, to avoid blaspheming God’s name or doctrine. Those with believing masters shouldn’t disrespect them but serve better, as they’re brothers.
False Teachers and Contentment (6:3–10): False teachers, conceited and craving controversy, see godliness as profit. True godliness with contentment is great gain, as we bring nothing into the world and take nothing out. Food and clothing suffice; those desiring riches fall into temptation, ruin, and evil, as the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, leading some to stray.
Charge to Timothy (6:11–16): Paul urges Timothy, a man of God, to flee evil, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, fighting the good fight of faith. He charges him before God and Christ, who testified before Pilate, to keep the command blameless until Christ’s appearing, revealed by the eternal, immortal, invisible King of kings, to whom be honor forever.
Instructions for the Wealthy (6:17–19): Wealthy believers shouldn’t be haughty or trust uncertain riches but God, who richly provides. They must do good, be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, storing treasure for the future, taking hold of true life.
Final Exhortation (6:20–21): Paul urges Timothy to guard the deposit entrusted to him, avoiding irreverent babble and false knowledge, which some professing have missed the faith. He closes with a prayer for grace.
Cross-References
Slaves and Masters: 
Ephesians 6:5–9: Serve as to Christ.

Colossians 3:22–4:1: Obey sincerely.

Titus 2:9–10: Adorn doctrine.
False Teachers: 
2 Timothy 4:3–4: Itching ears.

Titus 1:10–11: Deceivers for gain.

Romans 16:17–18: Cause divisions.
Contentment: 
Philippians 4:11–13: Content in all.

Hebrews 13:5: Free from money love.

Proverbs 30:8–9: Give daily bread.
Fight of Faith: 
2 Timothy 4:7–8: Fought the fight.

Ephesians 6:12–13: Spiritual armor.

1 Corinthians 9:26–27: Run with purpose.
Christ’s Appearing: 
Titus 2:13: Blessed hope.

2 Thessalonians 1:7–10: Revealed in glory.

Revelation 19:16: King of kings.
Wealth and Generosity: 
Luke 12:15–21: Beware greed.

2 Corinthians 9:6–7: Cheerful giving.

Matthew 6:19–21: Heavenly treasure.
Guard the Deposit: 
2 Timothy 1:14: Guard by Spirit.

Jude 1:3: Contend for faith.

Acts 20:28–30: Protect the flock.
Theological Meaning
Godly Relationships: Honoring masters reflects faith, protecting the gospel’s reputation (6:1–2; Colossians 3:23).

True Godliness: Contentment, not wealth, marks genuine faith, guarding against greed (6:6–8; Philippians 4:12).

Dangers of Wealth: Love of money tempts and destroys, diverting from faith (6:10; Ecclesiastes 5:10).

Faithful Ministry: Timothy’s charge to persevere reflects the call to holiness and mission (6:11–12; 2 Timothy 2:3).

Christ’s Return: Believers live with hope, awaiting Jesus’ appearing as ultimate King (6:14–15; Acts 1:11).

Stewardship of Wealth: Riches are for generosity, securing eternal reward, not pride (6:18–19; 1 John 3:17).
Questions and Answers
Why honor masters (6:1–2)?
To uphold God’s name and show faith’s integrity, especially with Christian masters (6:1; Ephesians 6:6).

What do false teachers seek (6:3–5)?
Controversy and financial gain, not truth, revealing their ignorance (6:4; Titus 1:11).

Why is contentment “great gain” (6:6)?
It frees from greed, satisfying with God’s provision (6:6–8; Hebrews 13:5).

What is “love of money” (6:10)?
Craving wealth, leading to temptation and spiritual ruin (6:10; Proverbs 15:27).

What is Timothy’s “good fight” (6:12)?
Persevering in faith, pursuing holiness, and proclaiming truth (6:12; 1 Corinthians 9:24–25).

How should the wealthy live (6:17–18)?
Humbly, trusting God, generous, and rich in good deeds for eternal reward (6:18; Luke 16:9).

How does this apply today?
Live content, pursue holiness, use wealth for good, and guard the faith (6:11; Colossians 3:2).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written to Timothy in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), likely after Paul’s release from Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:30), this chapter addresses a church facing false teachers (6:3–5) and cultural pressures. Ephesus’s wealth (Acts 19:24–25) made greed relevant (6:10). Slavery was common (6:1), and Timothy needed guidance for church order (Acts 20:28–30).

Cultural Questions: “Slaves” (6:1) refers to Roman bondservants, not modern slavery, common in Ephesus (Colossians 3:22). “Godliness for gain” (6:5) targets Ephesus’s commercialized religion (Acts 19:27). “Contentment” (6:6) counters Greco-Roman status-seeking, resonant in Ephesus’s market (Proverbs 23:4–5). “Man of God” (6:11) evokes Jewish leadership, fitting Timothy’s role (2 Timothy 3:17). “King of kings” (6:15) challenges Roman imperial titles, bold in Ephesus’s Roman loyalty (Revelation 17:14). “Guard the deposit” (6:20) uses banking terms, vital in Ephesus’s economy (2 Timothy 1:12).

Application: 1 Timothy 6 calls believers to contentment, holiness, and faithful stewardship. It challenges greed, false teaching, and pride, urging perseverance in faith and generosity in a materialistic world (Ephesians 4:1; James 1:27).