1 Timotius 6:12

6:12 Compete well ¹  for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession ²  for ³  in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Timotius 6:2

6:2 But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect ⁴  because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved. ⁵ 

Summary of Timothy’s Duties

Teach them and exhort them about these things. ⁶ 

1 Timotius 2:3

2:3 Such prayer for all ⁷  is good and welcomed before God our Savior,

[6:12]  ¹ tn This phrase literally means “compete in the good competition of the faith,” using words that may refer to a race or to a boxing or wrestling match: “run the good race” or “fight the good fight.” The similar phrase in 1 Tim 1:18 uses a military picture and is more literally “war the good warfare.”

[6:12]  ² sn At some point in Timothy’s life, he publicly acknowledged Jesus as the resurrected Lord, perhaps either at his baptism or his ordination as a minister of the gospel. With this reminder of the historical moment of his good confession, Timothy is encouraged to remain steadfast in his faith and to finish his life as a minister in the same way it began (see G. W. Knight, Pastoral Epistles [NIGTC], 264-65).

[6:12]  ³ tn Grk “confessed the good confession.”

[6:2]  ⁴ tn Or “think the less of them”; Grk “despise them,” “look down on them.”

[6:2]  ⁵ tn Or “those who devote themselves to service are faithful and dearly loved” (referring to slaves who serve them).

[6:2]  ⁶ tn Grk “these things teach and exhort.”

[2:3]  ⁷ tn Grk “this”; the referent (such prayer for all, referring to vv. 1-2) is specified in the translation for clarity.