Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 6:14

"that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:" — 1 Timothy 6:14 (ASV)

Typically, Paul appeals to God, who “gives life to everything,” and to Christ Jesus, who himself made a good confession while testifying before Pontius Pilate. In their sight he solemnly charges Timothy to keep what he has been instructing him in a blameless way and without reproach (cf. 3:2).

There has been much discussion as to whether “without spot or blame” modifies “commandment” or “you.” Elsewhere in the NT these adjectives are applied to persons, but here they are more closely attached to “commandment.” Perhaps the best way is to try to combine the two ideas. If Timothy keeps himself unspotted and blameless, the commandment itself, so far as he is concerned, will be maintained flawless.

Timothy is to keep the commandment until the “appearing” (GK 2211) of our Lord Jesus Christ. This word occurs five times in the Pastoral Letters (cf. 2 Timothy 1:10; 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13) and only once elsewhere in the NT (2 Thessalonians 2:8; see comment on that verse). It is found in late Greek writers and in the inscriptions of that period for a visible manifestation of an invisible deity. It is also used frequently in the LXX for manifestations of God’s glory. In 2 Timothy 1:10 it refers to the first coming of Christ; elsewhere (including this verse) it is used for the Second Coming.