1 Timothy 6 Study Notes

6:13 The appearance of Pontius Pilate here may seem odd. He appears as a backdrop for Jesus’s good confession, which is the model for the “good confession” of believers (v. 12).

6:14-16 Paul encourages Timothy to pursue his ministry in light of the glory of God. He is the only Sovereign. He rules over all kings and accomplishes all his purposes. He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. The opposition Timothy faces in his ministry is small and weak by comparison.

Outside of the NT, the term epiphaneia (appearing, manifestation) was often used as a religious technical term to denote the visible manifestation of a deity. This divine manifestation occurred either in the form of a personal appearance or by some work of power. Within the NT, epiphaneia appears exclusively in Paul’s letters. Paul employs this religious technical sense of the word to refer to the appearing or manifestation of Jesus Christ. This appearing of Jesus can refer to his first coming to earth (2Tm 1:10). More frequently, however, Paul refers to the second appearing of Jesus, at which time he will come to destroy the antichrist and dispense righteous judgment (2Th 2:8; 2Tm 4:1,8). It is this second appearing of the Lord Jesus that is the “blessed hope” of the believer (Ti 2:13).

6:17-19 Those who are rich have a tendency to be arrogant and must guard against it. They are also prone to put their hope in their wealth rather than in Christ. Real life consists in doing what is good and being generous.

6:20-21 The phrase what has been entrusted to you refers to the gospel. What is falsely called knowledge refers to the false teaching addressed elsewhere in the letter.