1 Timothy 6:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

NIV: Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

NASB: Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

CSB: Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share,

NLT: Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

KJV: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

NKJV: Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

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).

First Timothy 6:11–21 provides a contrast to the errors and temptations exhibited by false teachers. Paul delivers a strong, unmistakable mandate to Timothy: maintain your testimony, maintain your faith, fight for what is true and right. As a church leader, Timothy's primary weapons against false doctrine and sin are keeping himself on God's path and refusing to waver in his instruction of fellow church members. At the same time, Paul warns Timothy not to be distracted by the pseudo-intellectual debates in which some false teachers engage.

This chapter completes Paul's highly practical instructions to his friend and student, Timothy. The major focus of this passage is proper Christian conduct, and the avoidance of evil. Paul gives several character flaws common in those who teach false doctrine. He also provides a stark warning about the dangers of greed and materialism. Those who become obsessed with wealth open themselves to virtually any other sin one can imagine. Timothy is given a clear mandate to uphold his faith and testimony, along with Paul's blessings and encouragement.

The book of 1 Timothy is full of very practical advice, from Timothy's mentor, the apostle Paul. Chapter 6 rounds out the instructions given in the first five chapters. Building on the ideas laid down earlier in the letter, Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of godly living and avoiding the snares of evil and temptation. This chapter provides a strong encouragement for Timothy to apply the wisdom of this letter, both in his personal life and in the churches he is leading.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.