Fathers

1 Timothy 6

Tap a verse to read the Fathers. Press and hold, then drag, to make a card.

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 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. 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; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

About · Privacy · Credits · Support VRSZ

What the Fathers say

1 Timothy 6:12

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life." Lo, there is thy reward, "whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession," in hope of eternal life, "before many witnesses." That is, do not put that confidence to shame. Why dost thou labor to no profit? "Fight the good fight." Here he commends his boldness and manliness, that before all he confidently "made profession," and he reminds him of his early instruction. …

Homily on 1 Timothy 17 ↗

Basil of Caesarea

Remember the good profession which you witnessed before God, angels, and men. Remember the hallowed intercourse, the sacred company of virgins, the assembly of the Lord, the Church of the holy. Remember your grandmother, grown old in Christ, still youthful and vigorous in virtue; and your mother vying with her in the Lord, and striving to break with ordinary life in strange and unwonted toils; remember your sister, who copies their doings, nay, endeavours to surpass them, and goes beyond the good deeds of her fathers in her virgin …

Letter 46, To a Fallen Virgin ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

That is, stand for the faith immovably and invincibly — by the power of the word and by a blameless life. Here is the great reward for the struggle — eternal life. For you are called to the hope of eternal life. Here the apostle praises his boldness and courage, as one who confessed Christ amid dangers. Or he speaks of the confession that takes place at baptism, when we confess that we renounce Satan and unite ourselves to Christ. …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

Let godliness move you to justice, continence, gentleness, that you may avoid childish acts, and that rooted and grounded in grace you may fight the good fight of faith. Do not entangle yourself in the affairs of this life, for you are fighting for God. For he who fights for the emperor is forbidden by human laws to enter upon lawsuits or do any legal business or sell merchandise. How much more ought he who enters upon the warfare of faith to keep away from every kind of business. …

On the Duties of the Clergy 1.36.184 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, fight the good fight of faith, he urges him to engage in the conflict: first, he shows him how to fight; second, he gives a reason. He says, therefore: fight the good fight as soldiers do, who fight for two reasons: either to defend what they own, or to acquire what they lack; and this holy persons also should do. First, they should guard what they have, namely, faith and the virtues; hence he says, of faith, i.e., of defending their faith: even unto death, fight for justice (Sir 4:33). …

Commentary on 1 Timothy ↗