Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 6:20

"O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto [thee], turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;" — 1 Timothy 6:20 (ASV)

Paul concludes with a personal admonition to Timothy: “Guard what has been entrusted to your care” (cf. 2 Timothy 1:12, 14). Here the context suggests the sound doctrine that had been entrusted to Timothy, i.e., the revelation of Jesus Christ in all its fullness.

Timothy is to turn away from “godless chatter” or empty babbling. This is how Paul characterizes what the false teachers were saying (cf. 4:7; 6:3–5). The “opposing ideas” intimated here are likely rival teachings, such as those taught by Gnostics or Judaizers, in contrast to the truth of Christianity. This opposition consisted of “what is falsely called knowledge.” We have already seen several times in this letter that Paul is combating the false teachings of Gnosticism— those who professed a superior knowledge and believed that salvation comes to those who have this secret, intellectual treasure (see also introduction to Colossians). This is the kind of false gospel that some have “professed” (GK 2040; cf. 2:10) and so have deviated from the sound doctrine of the Christian faith.

(21b)In the closing benediction, “you” is plural, thus including the church along with Timothy.