The final chapter of the Biblical book of 1 Timothy will offer some closing instructions on a variety of subjects. Some of those subjects have already been mentioned within this letter (like the dangers associated with false teaching that appear in 1 Timothy 6:3-5) while the remaining topics offer valuable insights into other important areas.
One subject that is new to the Epistle of 1 Timothy (but not new to some of Paul the Apostle’s other New Testament letters) (1) involves the relationship between slaves and masters…
“Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things” (1 Timothy 6:1-2).
As we consider these verses, we should be mindful of two important things:
- The fastest means of eradicating a moral evil like slavery may not be the most thorough, comprehensive, or complete method.
- God’s plans and methods may differ from our own. This means that God’s approach to dealing with injustice may not always align with the methods that seem best from our perspective.
We’ll discuss the application of these verses in a modern-day setting at greater length in our next study. However, the following paraphrase of 1 Timothy 6:1 serves to focus our attention on a key point: “…never let it be said that Christ’s people are poor workers. Don’t let the name of God or his teaching be laughed at because of this” (1 Timothy 6:1 TLB). In the words of one commentator…
“The Christian is not working to satisfy men; he is working to satisfy Christ. The question he must always ask himself is not: ‘Is this good enough to pass the judgment of men?’ but: ‘Is it good enough to win the approval of Christ?'” (2)
Another scholar offers another important reminder…
“…the admonition is for these Christian slaves to treat their pagan masters with the respect and honor due one who is master. They are not called upon to honor what they are, but to honor the position they occupy, lest reproach be brought upon the name of God.” (3)
With these things in mind, we should remember that our lives serve to represent Christ to colleagues, supervisors, and others. Therefore, we should prayerfully work to ensure that our conduct provides them with the right inferences about God whenever they look to our example.
(1) See 1 Corinthians 7:21, Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 3:22-4:1, and Titus 2:9-10
(2) Barclay, William. “Memories Which Inspire (1 Timothy 6:11-16 Continued)“. “William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible.”
(3) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [1 Timothy 6:1] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.