1 Timothy 6:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.

NIV: which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.

NASB: which some have professed and thereby have gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.

CSB: By professing it, some people have departed from the faith.Grace be with you all.

NLT: Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all.

KJV: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

NKJV: by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

This final verse consists of two parts. First, Paul finishes his thought begun in the last sentence, a reference to false teachings such as Gnosticism.

The word translated "swerve" is the Greek term ēstochēsan, communicating the idea of turning or deviating. Paul used this same basic term in 2 Timothy 2:17–18 regarding "Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some." Those who held to false teachings, as mentioned in the previous verse, have turned away from the true faith or gospel Paul had taught. Timothy is to avoid their tragic end.

Paul then ends this letter with his familiar words, "Grace be with you." These were also the concluding words of Colossians (Colossians 4:18), 2 Timothy (2 Timothy 4:22), and Titus (Titus 3:15). Paul didn't end his message with a statement on false teachers. Instead, he chose to wrap up his letter to his young protégé Timothy with a final emphasis on God's grace, an appropriate and encouraging thought both for Timothy and readers today.

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.