What does 1 Timothy 6:18 mean?

Paul continues his teaching to wealthy Christians. This verse provides four commands specific to wealthy Christians.

First, wealthy believers are "to do good." Though general in nature, doing "good" can include any of the positive teachings Paul had given throughout this letter.

Second, wealthy believers are "to be rich in good works." They are not only to "do" good, but were also to be "rich" in good works, meaning their good works should be numerous or abundant. Just as being "rich" involves having a great quantity of money, being "rich in good works" should mean a constant, abundant emphasis on doing good for others. Paul expected wealthy Christians to use their influence to give back and to help others. For the Christian, money is never to be gained simply for the sake of having more money. It is always meant to be used for the glory of God.

Third, wealthy believers are "to be generous." Again, this command is general, leaving many applications. However, it's clear that this is an expectation, not a suggestion. This eliminates all excuses for selfish hoarding of resources or a lack of mercy toward those in need. For example, 1 John 3:17–18 teaches, "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Fourth, wealthy believers are to be "ready to share." Because a person has much, he or she should be willing to share what they have with others, a trait seen from the time of the first church (Acts 2:42–47).