1 Timothy 6:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:21
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, mercy. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 6:21
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
Analysis
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith (ἥν τινες ἐπαγγελλόμενοι περὶ τὴν πίστιν ἠστόχησαν, hēn tines epangellomenoi peri tēn pistin ēstochēsan)—'by professing it some have missed the mark concerning the faith.' Epangellomai means to profess, claim, announce. Astocheō means to miss the mark, deviate, wander. Those claiming superior knowledge have actually wandered from faith—their 'enlightenment' is spiritual darkness.
Grace be with thee. Amen (ἡ χάρις μετὰ σοῦ. ἀμήν, hē charis meta sou. amēn)—'Grace be with you. Amen.' Charis is grace, God's unmerited favor. Paul closes with this benediction, acknowledging that only God's grace enables Timothy to fulfill his charge. 'Thee' is singular (Timothy), but some manuscripts have plural 'you'—grace for the whole church.
The letter ends where it began: warning against false teaching. Those professing superior knowledge have missed the mark entirely. But grace sustains faithful ministers. Everything Paul has charged Timothy to do—confront error, teach truth, appoint leaders, care for the vulnerable, guard the deposit—requires divine grace. We cannot fulfill God's calling in our own strength.
Historical Context
The Ephesian false teachers claimed special knowledge (gnōsis) superior to apostolic teaching. Paul's verdict: they've missed the mark. Their sophistication is actually deviation from faith. The closing grace benediction reminds Timothy and the church: faithfulness depends on God's unmerited favor, not human effort. Grace enables what commands require.
Reflection
- How have those claiming superior 'knowledge' actually missed the mark of faith?
- Why does Paul close with 'grace be with you'—what role does grace play in faithful ministry?
- What encouragement does this benediction offer to ministers feeling inadequate for their calling?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- Faith: 1 Timothy 1:19, 2 Timothy 2:18
- Grace: Colossians 4:18