Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 6

Paul now has a word for servants or slaves. Their servitute is further emphasized by the phrase “under the yoke.” About half the population of the Roman Empire in the first century was composed of slaves. This would undoubtedly have included Christian households (cf. the book of Philemon).

Slaves are admonished to give full respect to their masters. Paul was always concerned that the conduct of Christians should be such as to bring glory to God and not bring reproach on his name and on the Gospel.

Not all Christian slaves had “believing masters.” But those who did were not “to show less respect [GK 2969] for them.” Instead, they were to serve them even better, realizing that they were benefiting their brothers in Christ; their masters were “dear to them” (lit., “beloved”; GK 28). This would give added incentive to their service.

The last sentence can be seen either as a specific instruction to Timothy about what to say to slaves, or else a general command regarding all that Paul has written to Timothy. Either makes good sense.

A false teacher is someone who “teaches false doctrines” (i.e., doctrines other than the ones Timothy has been taught). Furthermore, he does not assent to “sound” (GK 5617) or healthy instruction, such as Paul has been writing in this letter.

Having defined the false teacher, Paul goes on to describe him in vv.4–5.

Bluntly he declares that such a person “is conceited [GK 5605] and understands nothing.” In spite of this ignorance, the false teacher has a morbid craving for endless “controversies and quarrels about words.” The first of these two nouns (GK 2428) can mean the legitimate investigation of religious and theological problems, though here it indicates debates or disputes (cf. 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9). Even well-intentioned theological discussions sometimes have a tendency to degenerate into word-battles or exercises in semantics.

Five things are mentioned as the result of the disputes and arguments. The first two are “envy” (GK 5784) and “strife” (GK 2251, cf. also Ro 1:29; Galatians 5:21). Envy always produces quarreling and strife. “Malicious talk” (GK 1060), when directed against God, means “blasphemy,” but when directed against other people, as here, it means “abusive speech” or “slander.” The fourth result is “evil suspicions.” The fifth result is spelled out at considerable length, comprising all of v.5.

“Constant friction” refers to the continual wrangling that occurs between those whose minds are corrupt. In spite of whatever good intentions they may have, these men “have been robbed of the truth.” They think that godliness is merely a way to make a lot of money.

A false teacher is someone who “teaches false doctrines” (i.e., doctrines other than the ones Timothy has been taught). Furthermore, he does not assent to “sound” (GK 5617) or healthy instruction, such as Paul has been writing in this letter.

Having defined the false teacher, Paul goes on to describe him in vv.4–5.

Bluntly he declares that such a person “is conceited [GK 5605] and understands nothing.” In spite of this ignorance, the false teacher has a morbid craving for endless “controversies and quarrels about words.” The first of these two nouns (GK 2428) can mean the legitimate investigation of religious and theological problems, though here it indicates debates or disputes (cf. 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9). Even well-intentioned theological discussions sometimes have a tendency to degenerate into word-battles or exercises in semantics.

Five things are mentioned as the result of the disputes and arguments. The first two are “envy” (GK 5784) and “strife” (GK 2251, cf. also Ro 1:29; Galatians 5:21). Envy always produces quarreling and strife. “Malicious talk” (GK 1060), when directed against God, means “blasphemy,” but when directed against other people, as here, it means “abusive speech” or “slander.” The fourth result is “evil suspicions.” The fifth result is spelled out at considerable length, comprising all of v.5.

“Constant friction” refers to the continual wrangling that occurs between those whose minds are corrupt. In spite of whatever good intentions they may have, these men “have been robbed of the truth.” They think that godliness is merely a way to make a lot of money.

A false teacher is someone who “teaches false doctrines” (i.e., doctrines other than the ones Timothy has been taught). Furthermore, he does not assent to “sound” (GK 5617) or healthy instruction, such as Paul has been writing in this letter.

Having defined the false teacher, Paul goes on to describe him in vv.4–5.

Bluntly he declares that such a person “is conceited [GK 5605] and understands nothing.” In spite of this ignorance, the false teacher has a morbid craving for endless “controversies and quarrels about words.” The first of these two nouns (GK 2428) can mean the legitimate investigation of religious and theological problems, though here it indicates debates or disputes (cf. 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9). Even well-intentioned theological discussions sometimes have a tendency to degenerate into word-battles or exercises in semantics.

Five things are mentioned as the result of the disputes and arguments. The first two are “envy” (GK 5784) and “strife” (GK 2251, cf. also Ro 1:29; Galatians 5:21). Envy always produces quarreling and strife. “Malicious talk” (GK 1060), when directed against God, means “blasphemy,” but when directed against other people, as here, it means “abusive speech” or “slander.” The fourth result is “evil suspicions.” The fifth result is spelled out at considerable length, comprising all of v.5.

“Constant friction” refers to the continual wrangling that occurs between those whose minds are corrupt. In spite of whatever good intentions they may have, these men “have been robbed of the truth.” They think that godliness is merely a way to make a lot of money.