Commentary on Timothy, Titus, Philemon

1Let all who are slaves under the yoke reckon their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine may not be blasphemed.

2And they who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren; but let them serve so much the more, because they are believers and beloved, and partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

3If any man teacheth otherwise (or, other thing),and consenteth not to the healthful words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to that doctrine which is according to godliness,

4He is puffed up, knowing nothing, but sickening after questions and debates of words, out of which spring envy, strife, slanders, unfounded suspicions,

5Useless disputes of men corrupt in understanding, and that are destitute of the truth, thinking that gain is godliness. Withdraw thyself from such.

6But godliness with sufficiency ²⁷⁵ is great gain.

7For we brought nothing into the world; it is certain that neither can we carry anything out.

8And having food and raiment, we shall be content with these.

9For they who wish to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into numerous and hurtful follies, which plunge men into ruin and destruction.

10For the root of all evils is avarice, which some eagerly desiring, have gone astray from the faith, and have entangled themselves with many sorrows.

11But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, piety, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life, to which also thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses.

13I charge (or, command)thee before God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who testified a good confession before Pontius Pilate,

14That thou keep the commandment without spot and unblameably, till the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ;

15Which shall be manifested in due season by the blessed and only Prince, the King of kings, and Lord of lords,

16Who along bath immortality, who inhabiteth unapproachable light, whom no man hath seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power (or, everlasting dominion).Amen.

17 Command (or, charge)those who are rich, that they be not haughty, nor hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in the living God, who supplieth all things abundantly for enjoyment;

18To do good, to be rich in good works, ready to distribute (or, to bestow),willingly imparting,

19Laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

20O Timothy, guard that which is committed to thee, avoiding profane vanities of noises, idle talking, and contradictions of science falsely so called,

21Which some professing, have erred concerning the faith. Grace (be) with thee. Amen.

The first (Epistle) to Timothy was sent from Laodicea, which is the chief city of Phrygia Pacatiana.