1 Timothy 6:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called "knowledge,"

NIV: Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,

NASB: Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called 'knowledge'—

CSB: Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent and empty speech and contradictions from what is falsely called knowledge.

NLT: Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge.

KJV: O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

NKJV: O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—

Verses 20 and 21 form the conclusion to one of Paul's most profound letters. Paul begins this verse with another personal appeal to Timothy. Paul referred to Timothy directly by name three times in this letter (1 Timothy 1:2, 18), reflecting their friendly perspective and close relationship. His challenge for Timothy to "guard the deposit" seems to be two-edged. One side is the reality of the kingdom of God, which needs to be proclaimed and defended. The other is a reference to the time and effort Paul had invested into Timothy's life. He shared these same words with Timothy shortly before his death, saying "by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you" (2 Timothy 1:14).

Paul also repeats a common theme of his instructions to church leaders: steer clear of false knowledge and shallow arguments. Among the false teachings in Ephesus was a philosophy which would soon be known as Gnosticism, named from the Greek root word for "knowledge." Gnostic ideas presented matter as evil and spirit as good. Depending on the flavor of Gnostic teaching, the sins committed in the body either did not matter or all pleasures of the body were inherently wrong. Timothy was to stay away from such false teachings which contradicted the "sound doctrine" Paul had taught him (1 Timothy 1:8–11).

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.