6:1–2 - the problem of slavery was discussed already by Paul in Col 3:22, Eph 6:5–8, and the letter to Philemon. There were many slaves among Christians - something in the message of Christ attracted them to it - and they have different masters: unbelieving and believing. In both cases, here the advice is: serve them well. Such a service will be the best testimony to one’s faith.
6:3–10 - here we find some problems among those, who teach a different doctrine. Wrong teaching or errors in teaching spring from straying away from “the words of Jesus Christ” and “the doctrine of godliness”.
Behind such an attitude is the sin of pride - puffed up. Pride leads to questionings and battle about words, and this leads to further sins that divide community.
Moreover, there is an agenda among those, who follow this way, namely that godliness should aim for gain/ wealth.
“The indictment of the false teachers is thus multifaceted and comprehensive. It begins with their heterodoxy (v. 3), which is correlated with their conceit and lack of real understanding (v. 4a) and their sick interest in mere controversy (v. 4b), turns to the maliciousness of life that flows from these characteristics (v. 4c), roots all this in spiritual blindness (v. 5a), and ends with their materialistic motivation (v. 5b). It is given to warn the church against such people.
6:6 - on the opposite side are those who are satisfied with that that meets their needs.
“Paul urged Timothy to remember that real “gain” comes from the acquisition of true godliness that includes an attitude of contentment with one’s material possessions. It does not come from teaching godliness to others primarily to receive pay for doing so. That conduct demonstrates an attitude of discontent with one’s material possessions.
The apostle further reminded Timothy that there is really no relationship between godliness and one’s material possessions. Material things are transitory. As we entered the world without any, so we shall leave it (cf. Job 1:21; Eccles. 5:15). Possessions are simply tools we can use to bring glory to God (cf. 4:3–4; 6:17). Having the basic necessities of life, food and clothing, we can and should be content (cf. Matt. 6:24–34; Luke 12:16–32; Heb. 13:5–6). Food and clothing are a synecdoche for all the necessities of life. Paul had learned this lesson of healthy detachment from material things in his own life (Phil. 4:10–13). We must learn it too.
“How can the Christian learn to be content with simple living? Certainly not by accepting the standards set by this world. Paul suggests that an eternal perspective and an attitude of detachment toward things are prerequisites. As an eternal perspective develops, dependence on things material will decline.”
6:9–10
A simple lifestyle demonstrates contentment with the basics of life.[267] In contrast, greed for more opens the door to temptation. This temptation comes in the form of unwise lustful desires that impede one’s spiritual progress, as a trap holds an animal that gets tangled in it. Eventually the end of the person so snared is spiritual ruin and personal destruction if he or she does not escape its grip and turn from it.
Paul used a second figure to warn against greed (v. 10a). That root attitude bears all kinds of evil fruit in wicked actions. Note that it is the love of money, not money itself, that is the snare. Love of money contrasts with love of God and neighbor, the two greatest commandments (Matt. 22:39; cf. Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13; 1 John 2:15).
According to Paul, and Jesus, our personal needs as human beings are very few. Paul’s point was that we should seek godliness more diligently than we seek money and the things it can buy. Compare the attitude of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:22, Mark 10:22, or Luke 18:23.
Man of God (see Moses Deut 33:1; David Nehemiah 12:25(24); Samuel 1 Sam 9:6). In NT only in 1 Tim 6:11 and 2 Tim 3:17 - a description of a godly Christians. Timothy should differ from those false teachers perusing gain.
Instead of strife and pursuing gain, Timothy should follow a different path.
“In following God Timothy should pursue objectives different from the acquisition of wealth for selfish purposes. He should emphasize what the Holy Spirit seeks to produce in the life of a Christian (Gal. 5:22–23) and what is essential for a leader of God’s people (3:1–3).
“Righteousness” includes all attitudes and actions in harmony with what God calls right.
“Godliness” is godlike character and conduct.
“Faith” is trust in God.
“Love” is selfless devotion to the needs of others.
“Perseverance” is faithful continuance through adverse or discouraging circumstances.
“Gentleness” is tender kindness toward others.
The first two of these goals are general characteristics that represent one’s relationship with God. The second two are specific attitudes that animate the Christian life. The third two are specific actions that define correct ways of relating to a hostile world. Together they draw a silhouette of a “man [person] of God.” The trio of faith, love, and perseverance also appears in Titus 2:2.”
6:12 Fight the good fight of faith - 1 Cor 9:24; Philippians 3:12–15, similar call.
Lay hold of eternal life. We are called to eternal life, but unfortunately not all take hold of it. “Hold on” means that one lives consequently according to the certain principles - according to the doctrine of the Church in this case. Timothy has make a good confession of faith - probably reference to his baptismal confession of faith, some thing about his life on faith among the Gentiles, to whom he preached the Gospel together with Paul, finally some think about Timothy’s confession of faith during his ordination as a bishop.
6:13–14 - two witnesses are called here to support Paul’s strong call to keep the commandment without spot.
That is clear indication that the path of Christ’s followers - if we hold on to the teaching of our Lord - leads through the Cross to resurrection.
The commandment should be understood in the sense of 1 Tim 6:20 as the whole deposit of faith.
Timothy should keep this commandment “without spot” - without any defects and shortages - and “without reproach” - which means that no one can say anything against it.
The time frame is set - “till appearance of the Lord”. Thus, this demand of Paul retains its power. The Church needs to keep the doctrine without spot and without reproach. In order to do it, every pastor should be ready to die for it, like Christ did it.
God is presented here as: (1) blessed and the (2) only Potentate - having power / almighty. From this spring the conclusion that He is the King of those who reign here on earth, the Lord of those, who rule here on earth. Very liberating statement that puts in perspective ancient view of kings often seen by the ordinary people as divine beings (see Deut 10:17; Ps 136:3; Rev 17:14; 19:16).
God alone possess (1) immortality- therefore he can bestow it on humans - and He cannot be seen by humans (Ex 33:20; John 1:18) - living in unapproachable light (2 Cor 11:4; 1 John 1:5).
This God is offered by Paul honor and power everlasting.
“The Greek word plousioi, meaning “the wealthy,” refers to the materially rich, particularly those who did not need to work for a living.[280] Two attitudes often mislead the rich. One is the idea that greater monetary wealth indicates greater personal value or worth. The other is the notion that riches guarantee power and security. Paul warned against both of these conclusions. God will determine our future, not our present financial resources. Rich people should put their hope in the Giver rather than in His gifts (cf. 4:10; 5:5). God controls these resources. If he has given them to us, we can enjoy His gifts unselfishly. We can take pleasure in the fact that they free us from certain temptations (cf. Prov. 30:7–9) and enable us to help others.”
Paul urged Timothy to instruct the rich to view their money as God’s enablement to accomplish good deeds. Rather than enjoying a reputation for having much money, they should cultivate a reputation for being rich in good deeds. They should also be openhanded, ready and willing to share with others generously what God had given them. By doing so, they would be insuring that the Lord would reward them for their faithful stewardship when they stood before Him (cf. Matt. 6:19–21; Luke 12:33–34; 18:22).
It is not sinful to be rich, and it is not godly to be poor. God has given wealthy Christians resources for ministry that other Christians do not possess. With these resources come the temptations and opportunities to misuse them.
Guard the deposit - deposit appears also in 2 Tim 1:12.14. With his ordination as a bishop, Timothy took upon himself this responsibility to guard the doctrine of faith against false teachers and teaching, in particular. Unfortunately, some had already followed the false teaching and thus strayed away from faith.
That is the summary of the whole letter. A shepherd of a community should avoid unnecessary talks - fights about words, tales, and so on - and focus on the true doctrine - presenting it to others.
“What is most remarkable about this conclusion is the lack of any final greetings. All the Pauline letters, including this one, sign off with a final grace, or benediction. But only 1 Timothy and Galatians have no greetings from Paul and friends to the recipient and friends (cf. 2 Tim. 4:19–21; Titus 3:15). To the very end this letter is characteristically ‘all business,’ and except for some new language, this final charge merely summarizes that business.”[284]
In closing, Paul wished God’s grace for Timothy and the other saints in Ephesus. The “you” is plural in the Greek text (cf. Col. 4:18; 2 Tim. 4:22; Titus 3:15).