1 Timothy 6:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

NIV: Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

NASB: Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

CSB: Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

NLT: Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

KJV: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

NKJV: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Verse 11 commanded Timothy to flee from sin and temptation, and gave a list of positive character traits to pursue, instead. In this verse, Paul provides two imperatives. First, Timothy is to, "Fight the good fight of the faith." This wording closely resembles words Paul will use regarding himself in his second letter to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:7). The metaphor of our spiritual warfare as a boxing match is not unusual for Paul, who also spoke of the Christian faith as a boxing match or fight in 1 Corinthians 9:26: "… I do not box as one beating the air," referencing the idea of shadow boxing.

Paul's second command in this verse is for Timothy to live as if he has eternal life already. Paul mentioned eternal life earlier in 1 Timothy 1:16 and often spoke of it in his letters (Romans 2:7; 5:21; 6:22, 23; Galatians 6:8; Titus 1:2).

Timothy's profession of faith, mentioned here, had clearly happened among other believers in Lystra before he set out to travel with Paul as a missionary.

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.