1 Timothy 6:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:5
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, love, wisdom. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 6:5
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Analysis
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth (διαπαρατριβαὶ διεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας, diaparatribai diephtharmenōn anthrōpōn ton noun kai apesterēmenōn tēs alētheias)—'constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth.' Diaparatribē (only here in NT) means constant wrangling, mutual irritation. Diaphtheirō means corrupted, destroyed. Apostereō means robbed of, deprived.
Supposing that gain is godliness (νομιζόντων πορισμὸν εἶναι τὴν εὐσέβειαν, nomizontōn porismon einai tēn eusebeian)—'imagining that godliness is a means of gain.' Porismos means profit, means of gain. The false teachers viewed religion as a money-making enterprise. From such withdraw thyself (ἀφίστασο ἀπὸ τῶν τοιούτων, aphistaso apo tōn toioutōn)—'withdraw from such people.' Separate, avoid fellowship.
Paul exposes the false teachers' motive: financial profit. They peddle religion for gain, a perennial problem (Titus 1:11, 2 Peter 2:3). Such men have corrupted minds and lost the truth. Timothy must withdraw from them—no compromise, no dialogue. Their ministry is mercenary, not faithful.
Historical Context
Itinerant teachers in the Greco-Roman world often charged fees for instruction. Some apparently entered Christian ministry for profit, using religion as a business. Paul repeatedly refused payment (Acts 20:33-35, 1 Corinthians 9:12-18) to distinguish gospel ministry from mercenary teaching. He exposes Ephesian false teachers as motivated by greed, not love for truth or people.
Reflection
- How does viewing ministry as means to financial gain corrupt both message and motives?
- Why must faithful ministers withdraw from those who peddle religion for profit?
- What warning signs indicate someone is using Christianity for personal gain?
Word Studies
- Truth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia) G225 - Truth, reality
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Timothy 6:6, 2 Timothy 3:5
- Truth: 2 Timothy 3:8
- Parallel theme: 1 Timothy 1:6, 3:3, Matthew 12:33, 23:13, Titus 1:11, 2 Peter 2:3