What does 1 Timothy 6:20 mean?

Explanation

1 Timothy 6:20 is an exhortation from the Apostle Paul to his young protégé, Timothy.

In this verse, Paul is advising Timothy to "keep," meaning to guard or hold fast, that which has been entrusted to him.

The thing committed to Timothy's trust is typically understood to be the body of Christian teachings and the pastoral responsibilities that come with it.

Paul warns Timothy to avoid "profane and vain babblings," referring to pointless arguments and discussions that do not promote godliness or the truth of the Gospel.

He also cautions against "oppositions of science falsely so called." The term "science" here translates from the Greek word "gnosis," which means knowledge.

Paul is likely warning against the influence of Gnostic teachings that were prevalent at the time, which claimed to have a special, secret knowledge that differed from orthodox Christian beliefs.

Historical Context

The first epistle to Timothy was written by Paul in the mid-first century AD.

This was a time when the Christian Church was still in its infancy and faced challenges both from external persecutors and internal false teachings.

Cultural and historical influences included Hellenistic philosophy and various mystery religions, which could have introduced different beliefs and practices not rooted in the teachings of Jesus or the Apostles.

Gnosticism, with its dualistic worldview and claims to secret knowledge, was a major religious movement during this period that the early Church Fathers frequently argued against.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underscores the importance of preserving doctrinal purity and remaining steadfast in the faith. The warning against "science falsely so called" can be interpreted in multiple ways.

Some believe it speaks against Gnosticism specifically, while others generalize it to mean any teaching that contradicts or undermines Christian doctrine.

Theologically, the verse serves as a reminder of the need for discernment and the importance of basing one's faith on divinely revealed truth rather than human wisdom or speculative ideas.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in daily life by encouraging individuals to be vigilant about their belief systems and carefully scrutinize teachings and philosophies they encounter.

It advocates for the importance of biblical literacy and the adherence to sound doctrine as found in Scripture.

Believers are reminded to stay focused on the essential truths of their faith and to resist the temptation to be drawn into debates and ideas that further neither their spiritual growth nor the advancement of the Gospel.

Cross-References

• 2 Timothy 1:14 - "That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us."
• Titus 1:9 - "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."
• Colossians 2:8 - "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of 1 Timothy 6:20 include:

• "O Timothy" (Τιμοθέε/Timothee): Paul is directly addressing Timothy by name.
• "Keep" (φύλαξον/phylaxon): Meaning to guard or watch over.
• "That which is committed to thy trust" (τὴν παραθήκην/ten paratheken): The deposit or entrustment, likely referring to the Gospel message or apostolic teachings.
• "Avoiding" (ἐκτρεπόμενος/ektrepomenos): Meaning to turn away or shun.
• "Profane" (βέβηλος/bebelos): That which is unholy or secular.
• "Vain babblings" (κενοφωνίας/kenophonias): Empty, useless talk.
• "Oppositions" (ἀντιθέσεις/antitheseis): Contradictions or conflicts.
• "Science falsely so called" (ψευδώνυμος γνῶσις/pseudonymos gnosis): Obscure or false knowledge, likely referring to Gnostic teachings.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient religions and philosophy, the early Christian stance against syncretism and the preservation of doctrinal purity have parallels in other religious traditions that sought to maintain their unique identities and teachings in the face of diverse beliefs.

The Christian rejection of Gnosticism, which proposed a more mystical approach to spirituality and knowledge, also contrasts with other religious movements that embraced esoteric practices and secret wisdoms.

Scientific Perspectives

The term "science" in this verse does not relate directly to the modern scientific method or disciplines but refers to knowledge or understanding.

In contemporary times, some individuals use this verse to caution against the acceptance of scientific theories that conflict with literal interpretations of the Bible.

However, many theologians and scholars would argue that properly understood, there is no inherent conflict between science and faith, and the two can be complementary rather than oppositional.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse:

• John Calvin suggests that "science falsely so called" refers to anything masquerading as truth that actually leads people away from the simplicity of the Gospel.
• Matthew Henry notes the responsibility of the minister to safeguard the truth and focus on meaningful discourse rather than succumbing to fruitless discussions.
• William Barclay places emphasis on the danger of intellectual arrogance, highlighting the distinction between true knowledge that edifies and false knowledge that inflates ego.
• Albert Barnes also points to Gnosticism as the likely target of Paul's warning, hence making a case for holding onto the core beliefs of Christianity amidst a diversity of thought and teachings.