1 Timothy 6:12 NIV

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Timothy 6:12

(12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.—Then, again, with the old stirring metaphor of the Olympic contests for a prize (1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:13-14)—the metaphor St. Paul loved so well, and which Timothy must have heard so often from his old master’s lips as he preached and taught—he bids the “man of God,” rising above the pitiful struggles for things perishable and useless, fight the noble fight of faith; bids him strive to lay hold of the real prize—life... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Timothy 6:1-21

1 Timothy 6:4 'I cannot bring myself to take much interest in all the controversies that are going on,' Max Müller wrote in 1865, 'in the Church of England. No doubt the points at issue are great, and appeal to our hearts and minds, but the spirit in which they are treated seems to me so very small. How few men on either side give you the impression that they write face to face with God, and not face to face with men and the small powers that be.' False Suppositions in Life 1 Timothy 6:5... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Timothy 6:1-21

CHAPTER 6 1. Concerning servants (1 Timothy 6:1-2 ) 2. Concerning those who oppose (1 Timothy 6:3-5 ) 3. Concerning contentment and temptation (1 Timothy 6:6-10 ) 4. The final exhortations (1 Timothy 6:11-21 ) 1 Timothy 6:1-2 Servants (slaves) who had pagan masters were to count them worthy of all honor, and thus bear a good testimony for the truth, that the Name of God and the teaching be not blasphemed. Theirs was a blessed opportunity to show forth the excellencies of Him whom they... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 6:1-21

It may be noted that in this epistle the relationships of husband and wives, children and parents, are not mentioned, as are the questions of elders, widows, and now servants. For family ties are not at all the subject here, but godly order as to the assembly, therefore that which is more before the public eye. Bondslaves were, of course, in a position that God never intended for man, but introduced by men's per-verse wills. What was the Christian slave, therefore to do? Bitterness of... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 6:1-21

MATTERS ECCLESIASTICAL & SOCIAL Chapter 5 gives directions concerning Timothy’s management of church affairs, first, as to his behavior towards the older and younger members of the flock, of both sexes (1 Timothy 5:1-2 ). Secondly, as touching widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16 ). By “widows indeed,” 1 Timothy 5:3 , Paul means those who had no near relatives to support them (see v. 4-5), and who were trusting in God (1 Timothy 5:6 ). At this point the apostle turns from the widows themselves to... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Timothy 6:11-16

(11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (13) ¶ I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; (14) That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable,... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good fight. Literally, strive [8] a good strife. St. Paul oftentimes brings this comparison of men striving for a prize. --- And hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses, not only when baptized, not only when thou wast ordained a bishop, but by thy constancy and sufferings and persecutions, says St. John Chrysostom, thou we know not the particulars. (Witham) --- Timothy had made profession of his faith at his baptism, at his ordination, and during the whole course of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 6:11-16

11-16 It ill becomes any men, but especially men of God, to set their hearts upon the things of this world; men of God should be taken up 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 thereon. To the rich must especially be pointed out their dangers and duties, as to the proper use of wealth. But who can give such a charge, that is not himself... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - 1 Timothy 6:1-99

1Tim 6 IN THE APOSTOLIC age, as now, the gospel won many of its triumphs among the poor, hence not a few servants, or slaves, were found in the church. Chapter 6 opens with instructions which show the way of godliness as it applies to them. Slavery is foreign to Christianity yet inasmuch as the rectifying of earthly wrongs was not the Lord’s object in His first coming, (See, Luk_12:14 ) and is only to be accomplished when He comes again, the will of God for His people now is to accept the... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 1 Timothy 6:11-16

The Conduct of the True Christian and Its Reward. 1 Timothy 6:11-Nehemiah : v. 11. but thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. v. 12. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. v. 13. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate... read more