Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Timothy 6
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Timothy 6
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Timothy 6
"Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort. If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain." — 1 Timothy 6:1-5 (ASV)
Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge or Christian privileges gave them any right to despise unbelieving masters, or to disobey lawful commands, or to expose their faults to others.
And those who enjoyed the privilege of living with believing masters were not to withhold due respect and reverence simply because they were equals in religious privileges. Instead, they were to serve with double diligence and cheerfulness, because their masters were believers in Christ and partakers of His free salvation.
We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; to these we must give sincere agreement.
Commonly, those who know least are most proud; for they do not know themselves.
From this arise envy, strife, abusive speech, evil suspicions, and disputes full of cleverness but lacking substance. These occur between people of corrupt and worldly minds, who are ignorant of the truth and its sanctifying power, and are seeking their own worldly advantage (1 Timothy 6:6–10).
"But godliness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows." — 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (ASV)
Those who use Christianity as a mere trade to serve their own purposes in this world will be disappointed; but those who attend to it as their calling will find it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. The one who is godly is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly people are content. When brought into the greatest hardships, we cannot be poorer than when we came into this world; a shroud, a coffin, and a grave are all that the richest person in the world can have from all their wealth.
If nature should be content with a little, grace should be content with less. The necessities of life bound a true Christian's desires, and with these he will endeavor to be content. We see here the evil of covetousness. It is not said of 'those who are rich,' but of 'those who will be rich'—those who place their happiness in wealth and are eager and determined in the pursuit. Such people give Satan the opportunity of tempting them, leading them to use dishonest means and other bad practices to add to their gains.
This desire also leads them into so many occupations and such a hurry of business as to leave no time or inclination for spiritual religion; it also leads them into connections that draw them into sin and folly. What sins will people not be drawn into by the love of money! People may have money and yet not love it; but if they do love it, this will drive them to all evil. Every sort of wickedness and vice, in one way or another, grows from the love of money.
We cannot look around without perceiving many proofs of this, especially in a time of outward prosperity, great expenses, and lax profession of faith.
"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession; that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power eternal. Amen." — 1 Timothy 6:11-16 (ASV)
It is unbecoming for any men, but especially men of God, to set their hearts on the things of this world; men of God should be occupied with the things of God. There must be a conflict with corruption, and temptations, and the powers of darkness. Eternal life is the crown proposed for our encouragement.
We are called to lay hold on it. To the rich, their dangers and duties concerning the proper use of wealth must especially be pointed out. But who can give such a charge, who is not himself above the love of things that wealth can buy? The appearing of Christ is certain, but it is not for us to know the time.
Mortal eyes cannot bear the brightness of the Divine glory. None can approach Him except as He is made known to sinners in and by Christ. The Godhead is here adored without distinction of Persons, as all these things are properly spoken of the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost. God is revealed to us, only in and through the human nature of Christ, as the only begotten Son of the Father.
"Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life which is [life] indeed. 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; which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you." — 1 Timothy 6:17-21 (ASV)
Being rich in this world is wholly different from being rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth. Those who are rich must recognize that God gives them their riches; and only He can enable them to enjoy them richly; for many have riches but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them.
What is the best estate worth, except for the opportunity it gives for doing more good? Showing faith in Christ by fruits of love, let us lay hold on eternal life, when the self-indulgent, covetous, and ungodly around us lift up their eyes in torment.
That learning which opposes the truth of the gospel is not true science or real knowledge; otherwise, it would approve the gospel and consent to it. Those who advance reason above faith are in danger of leaving faith.
Grace includes all that is good, and grace is an earnest, a beginning of glory; wherever God gives grace, He will give glory.
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