I Timothy 6:14

keep this commandment--Greek, "the commandment," that is, the Gospel rule of life (Ti1 1:5; Joh 13:34; Pe2 2:21; Pe2 3:2). without spot, unrebukeable--agreeing with "thou." Keep the commandment and so be without spot," &c. "Pure" (Ti1 5:22; Eph 5:27; Jam 1:27; Pe2 3:14). until the appearing of . . . Christ--His coming in person (Th2 2:8; Tit 2:13). Believers then used in their practice to set before themselves the day of Christ as near at hand; we, the hour of death [BENGEL]. The fact has in all ages of the Church been certain, the time as uncertain to Paul, as it is to us; hence, Ti1 6:15, he says, "in HIS times": the Church's true attitude is that of continual expectation of her Lord's return (Co1 1:8; Phi 1:6, Phi 1:10).

I. He treats of the duty of servants (Ti1 6:1, Ti1 6:2). II. Of false teachers (Ti1 6:3-5). III. Of godliness and covetousness (Ti1 6:6-10). IV. What Timothy was to flee, and what to follow (Ti1 6:11, Ti1 6:12). V. A solemn charge (Ti1 6:13-16). VI. A charge for the rich (Ti1 6:17-19). And lastly, a charge to Timothy (Ti1 6:20, Ti1 6:21).

6:14 until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again (literally until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ): Christ’s comings, both past (2 Tim 1:10; Titus 2:11) and future (2 Tim 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13), are described in the letters to Timothy and Titus as “epiphanies” or “appearances.” An epiphany is a divine intervention in a particular historical moment. The church is positioned between these past and future appearances of Christ. Christ’s first, saving epiphany made possible a new life; his future epiphany will achieve final salvation. Though the present is evil (the “last times,” 1 Tim 4:1-3; 2 Tim 3:1-9), our anticipation of Christ’s appearance creates accountability for living a godly life in the present. By contrast, the false teachers advocated sinful behaviors because they assumed the resurrection had already occurred (2 Tim 2:18). In response, Paul makes clear that salvation has begun but is not yet complete. The conduct of God’s household requires responsible living in the light of Christ’s past, present, and future saving work (1 Tim 3:15-16; Titus 2:11-14).