Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Timothy 6:18
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
18. that they do good ] Another of the many compound words; used however (according to the right reading) of God in providence, Act 14:17, ‘in that He did good;’ stronger than the ordinary word (e.g. Luk 6:9), and taken up in the next clause; render that they work at doing good.
rich in good works ] The riches are jewels of God’s giving, and can be best seen and best enjoyed ‘in a setting of fair works.’ The two adjectives for ‘good’ here have a distinction, but not that given by Alford; the first according to a probable derivation signifying what is ‘kind and good’ in its inner character in a man’s conduct towards others, the second what is ‘fair and gracious’ in outer expression and bearing. The two together came to be used at Athens as one phrase to denote ‘a gentleman.’ And so such a use of wealth marks ‘the Christian gentleman.’ For the second word is the one used Mat 5:16, ‘let your light shine that they may see your good works,’ and 1Pe 2:12, ‘your good works which they behold. Compare Bp. Westcott’s definition, Heb 10:24 ‘works which by their generous and attractive character win the natural admiration of men,’ and his synonym Heb 6:5, ‘tasted the goodness the beauty of the Word of God.’ See notes on Tit 1:16; Tit 2:7; Tit 3:8.
ready to distribute, willing to communicate ] Again two peculiar compound adjectives. Cranmer’s version followed in the Offertory Sentences of the Prayer-Book has ‘ready to give and glad to distribute,’ giving also the same rendering to the second of our two words in the text from Heb 13:16, ‘to do good and to distribute forget not,’ where A.V. and R.V. ‘to do good and to communicate.’ Possibly ‘communicate’ in such a connexion would have been misunderstood. The corresponding noun is rendered ‘distribution’ by A.V. in 2Co 9:13, by R.V. ‘contribution.’ The ‘sympathy’ suggested by the margin here of R.V. is certainly implied in the word, which may be said to sum up, in itself, the unity, generosity, and practical piety of the Church, as it worked out, under St Paul (see esp. 2Co 8:9), that problem of ‘rich and poor together’ which the earliest impulses of ‘the faith’ had solved for the moment only by the short rule of Act 2:44-45, ‘all that believed were together and had all things common,’ the same word from which our ‘willing to communicate ’ comes. The root principle remains the same (2Co 8:13-15), and this our word conveys, though the practice was not workable for long of selling all into a common stock. G. Herbert seems to express both of the present adjectives in
‘Joyn hands with God to make a man to live,
Give to all something; to a good poore man,
Till thou change names, and be where he began.’
The Church Porch.
The Christian wealth of England is still far below such a principle; else why the ‘weariness and painfulness’ known to so many of our clergy in begging appeals for ‘good works’ of piety and charity?
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
That they do good – On the duty enjoined in this verse, see Gal 6:10 note; Heb 13:10 note.
That they be rich in good works – That their good works may be as abundant as their riches.
Ready to distribute – To divide with others; compare Act 4:34. The meaning is, that they should be liberal, or bountiful.
Willing to communicate – Margin, or sociable. The translation in the text is a more correct rendering of the Greek. The idea is, that they should be willing to share their blessings with others, so as to make others comfortable; see the notes on Heb 13:16; compare the argument of Paul in 2Co 8:13-15, and the notes on that passage.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 18. That they do good] That they relieve the wants of their fellow creatures, according to the abundance which God has given them. The highest luxury a human being can enjoy on this side of the grave.
Rich in good works] That their good works may be as abundant as their riches.
Ready to distribute] . That they give nothing through partiality or favour, but be guided in their distribution by the necessities of the objects presented to them; and that they confine not their charity at home, but scatter it abroad.
Willing to communicate] . Bringing every poor person into a state of fellowship with themselves.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
That they do good; that is, to others, as they have opportunity.
That they be rich in good works; be plentiful in alms-deeds, or more generally in all good works of piety or charity.
Ready to distribute; that they be not backward to distribute that of which God hath made them stewards, to those that want.
Willing to communicate; but give freely and without grudging, according to their Masters order, as becometh those who are but stewards as to the riches which they have.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
18. do goodlike God Himself(Psa 119:68; Act 14:17)and Christ (Ac 10:38).TITTMANN translates, “todo,” or “act well”; as the Greek for “tobe beneficent” is a distinct word, agathopoiein.
rich in good worksso”rich in faith,” which produces good works (Jas2:5). Contrasted with “rich in this world,” 1Ti6:17. Literally, it is “rich in honorable (right) works.”Greek, “kalois,” “ergois,“are works good or right in themselves: “agathois,“good to another.
ready to distributefreegivers [ALFORD]; the heartnot cleaving to possessions, but ready to impart to others.
willing to communicatereadycontributors [ALFORD]:liberal in admitting others to share our goods in common withourselves (Gal 6:6; Heb 13:16).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
That they do good,…. Rich men sometimes do much ill to themselves, to the hurt of their bodies, by luxury, intemperance, and debauchery, and to their souls, to the ruin of them; and to others by fraud, oppression, and violence; for it is in the power of their hands to do much evil, and also to do much good, as they should; and much is required of them, since much is given them to do good with, and for which they are accountable: it becomes them, and especially such as believe in Christ, to do every good work in general, and to do acts of beneficence in particular, both to all men, and to the household of faith.
That they be rich in good works; or abound in the performance of them, as Dorcas is said to be full of good works and alms deeds; and to reckon that their true riches lie more in the exercise of grace, and in the fruits of it, doing good works, than in their worldly enjoyments. The phrase seems to be Rabbinical. Frequent mention is made of , “rich in the law”, and , “rich in the commandments” t; and it is said u, no man is poor but he that is without the law, and good works, for the riches of a man are the law, and good works.
Ready to distribute; unasked; and when they are asked, do not turn away, and put off, but give at once, and without grief, and with cheerfulness; want no arguments to press them to it, nor use any against it.
Willing to communicate; of their good things to the necessities of the poor, making them common to them, and them partakers of them. Some render the word “sociable”, in opposition to that moroseness, stillness, and those haughty and forbidding airs, with which rich men are apt to treat the poor, when they should be affable and courteous to them, and admit them to a free conversation with them.
t Zohar in Numb. fol. 91. 3. Vajikra Rabba, sect. 34. fol. 173. 4. & Tzeror Hammaor, fol. 15. 2. u Raya Mehimna in Exod. fol 48. 3. Vid. T. Bab. Megilia, fol. 11. 1.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
That they do good (). Late word (, ), in N.T. only here and Ac 14:17.
Rich in good works ( ). See Lu 12:21 “rich toward God” and Mt 6:19f. for “treasures in heaven.”
Ready to distribute (). Late and rare verbal (, , ). Free to give, liberal. Only here in N.T.
Willing to communicate (). Old adjective, ready to share, gracious, liberal again. Only here in N.T. See Gal 6:6; Phil 4:15.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Do good [] . In this uncontracted form, N. T. o. o LXX, o Class. Comp. Act 14:17. The usual word is ajgaqopoiein, see Mr 3:4; Luk 6:9, 33, 35; 1Pe 2:15. o P. who has ejrgazesqai to ajgaqon to work that which is good, Rom 2:10; Gal 6:10; Eph 4:28. Good works [ ] . For kalov see on ch. 1ti 3:7, and Joh 10:11 : for ajgaqov on Rom 5:7.
Ready to distribute [] . N. T. o. o LXX, o Class. For the verb metadidonai to impart to the poor, see Luk 3:11; Eph 4:28. Willing to communicate [] . N. T. o. o LXX See on fellowship, Act 2:48, and comp. koinwnein to partake, 1Ti 5:22, and koinov common, Tit 1:14. Stronger than the preceding word, as implying a personal share in the pleasure imparted by the gift.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “That they do good” (agathoergein) “To do good work continually,” Gal 6:6. Financial support of those who teach the Word is a good work, Tit 2:3; Tit 2:14; .
2) “That they be rich in good works” (ploutein en ergois kalois) “To be rich in good works,” for which purpose they were saved, Eph 2:10; 1Pe 4:9. Even our Lord “went about doing good,” Act 10:38; Act 9:36.
TOO PROUD TO WORK
During the American Revolution, it is said, the commander of a little squad was giving orders to those under him, relative to a stick of timber which they were endeavoring to raise up to the top of some military works they were repairing. The timber went up hard, and on this account the voice of the little man was oftener heard in regular vociferation of “Heave away!! There she goes!! Heave ho!!” An officer, not in military costume, was passing, and asked the commander why he did not take hold and render a little aid. The latter, astonished, turning around with all the pomp of an emperor, said, “Sir, I am a corporal!” “You are, are you?” replied the officer, “I was not aware of that!” and taking off his hat and bowing, “I ask your pardon, Mr. Corporal.” Upon this he dismounted, and lifted ’til the sweat stood in drops on his forehead; and when finished, turning to the commander he said, “Mr. Corporal, when you have another such job, and have not men enough, send for your Commander- in-Chief, and I will come and help you a second time.” The corporal was thunder-struck. It was General Washington!!
3) “Ready to distribute, willing to communicate;” (eumetadotous einai koinonikous) “Ready to impart (to others), generous to help the needy in any need,” imparting or parting with one’s own to help another, in sympathy sharing with one in need. Wealth held by a Christian is a trust for benevolent uses, Heb 13:16; Rom 12:13.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
18 To do good He adds another remedy to the former, for correcting the sinful dispositions of rich men, by stating authoritatively what is the lawful use of riches; for the richer any man is, the more abundant are his means of doing good to others; and because we are always more tardy than we ought to be in giving to the poor, he employs many words in commendation of that virtue.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(18) That they do good, that they be rich in good works.These wordscoming directly after the statement that the good and pleasant things of this world, which are possessed in so large a share by the rich, are, after all, the gifts of God, who means them for our enjoymentthese words seem to point to the highest enjoyment procurable by these richthe luxury of doing good, of helping others to be happy the only enjoyment that never fails, never disappoints.
Ready to distribute, willing to communicate.In distinguishing between these words, which are nearly synonymous, the first points rather to the hand which generously gives, and the second to the heart which lovingly sympathises.
The first obeys willingly the Masters chargeGive to him that asketh; the second follows that loving command which bids His own to rejoice with those that rejoice, and to mourn with those that mourn.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
18. They do good Wealth may exist without sin; but not hoarded, illiberal wealth. It would be well for every rich man to take a concordance, find the words rich and riches, and read with solemn appreciation what things the Bible says upon that subject. Men as they grow rich should increase their benefactions faster than they increase their personal expenses.
Rich in good works A double richness. The possessor has all the happiness of wealth, and the infinitely higher happiness of living in the benefactions he bestows.
Distribute To adjust the donation to the various proper objects.
To communicate To share with others the blessings that belong to you.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘That they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate,’
Thus the rich are to work hard at ‘doing good’. That should be their main aim and ambition. They should be rich in good works. They should be good at distributing their wealth to those who need it. They should be looking out for opportunities to use it for the genuine benefit of others. They should be delighted to pass it on to any who are in need. The idea of ‘willing to communicate’ is that it indicates true neighbourliness. For God has given them their riches precisely for that reason, so that they might be a blessing to others. Freely they have received, freely they should give (Mat 10:8). They should give hilariously (2Co 9:6-7).
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Ti 6:18. Rich in good works, &c. If the phrases in this verse have a different signification, the following exposition of Archbishop Sharpe’s may perhaps be as satisfactory as any other. “Let them endeavour, in the general, to do good;not only now and then, in some scanty proportion, but frequently, constantly, and abundantly; not only with their time, labour, and interest, but bydistributing of their substance too: and this as freely, as if it were a common stock, to which all had a right.”
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Ti 6:18 . The negative ideas of the previous verse are followed by four positive, joined two and two.
, ] These ideas are synonymous, the second, however, being stronger than the first. It is not probable that we are to think only of the practice of benevolence; that is brought out in the next two expressions. On , comp. Act 14:17 , where, however, the Rec. has ; the word in Num 10:32 , LXX.; 1Ma 11:33 .
. . hints at . (Wiesinger).
, ] The two expressions occur only here in the N. T.: is, however, used specially of giving to the poor in Luk 3:11 ; Rom 12:8 ; Eph 4:28 . Some expositors wrongly find in an express contrast to ; Chrysostom: = , . It stands here like , Gal 6:6 ; (joined with ), Heb 13:16 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Ver. 18. That they do good ] Not the richer the harder; as the sun moveth slowest when it is at the highest in the zodiac, or as the moon when it is fullest of light gets farthest off from the sun.
Rich in good works ] This is to be rich in God,Luk 12:21Luk 12:21 , when our works are good, Quoad fontem et quoad finem. As from the source until the end.
Ready to distribute ] A virtue much commended in the kings of Egypt (Diod. Sic. i.); practised by the Pythagoreans, Essenes, but especially by those primitive Christians, Act 4:34-35 . See my Common Place of Alms, and to those many examples there set forth of Christian bounty, add that of Mr Fox, who never denied any that asked him aught for Jesus’ sake. And being once so asked by a poor man, he questioned him whether he knew Jesus Christ? And finding signs that the man was a believer, he gave him his horse, when he had no money. I commend not his discretion, but his zeal and charity were admirable. The like is reported of Aidanus, as hath been said before. Queen Anne Boleyn gave in alms fourteen or fifteen thousand pounds in three-quarters of a year, as Mr Fox reporteth; accounting that she had nothing of her own but what she had given away. Hoc habeo quodcunque dedi. (Seneca.)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
1Ti 6:18 . : corrects any possible misunderstanding of . : see note on 1Ti 3:1 . Cf. , Luk 12:21 .
: facile tribuere (Vulg.), ready to impart ( cf. the use of in Luk 3:11 ; Rom 1:11 ; Rom 12:8 ; Eph 4:28 ; 1Th 2:8 ).
: This does not mean sociable (A.V. m.), ready to sympathise (R.V. m.), as Chrys., and Thdrt. explain it, but . Rom 12:13 ( cf. Gal 6:6 ; Phi 4:15 ). A good illustration of the general sentiment is Heb 13:16 , . Von Soden notes that the thought in . is of the needs of others, in . of the imparting of one’s own.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
do good. Greek. agathoergeo. Only here.
ready to distribute. Greek. eumetadotos. Only here,
willing to communicate. Greek. koinonikos. Only here. “Sociable” (Authorized Version m.)
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
1Ti 6:18. ) to aim to do good. To be rich in good works follows as the consequence of this diligence: and differ; involves at the sametime the idea of (divine) blessedness (comp. Mar 10:18, note): includes in its notion, beauty.-, [ready to distribute] liberal) in imparting, viz. individually.-, willing to communicate) by lending, by contributing for the common good, viz. along with many. In ordinary cases i.e. where the grace of God does not change them], the rich are chiefly delighted with a division [i.e. individual monopoly, as opposed to communicating] in proceedings, plans, and properties, and are imperious and insolent.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Ti 6:18
that they do good, that they be rich in good works,-These words seem to point to the highest enjoyment procurable by those rich-the luxury of doing good, of helping others to be happy, the only enjoyment that never fails.
that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;-Free to come into fellowship with those at work for Christ by aiding them.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
they do: 2Ch 24:16, Psa 37:3, Ecc 3:12, Luk 6:33-35, Act 10:38, Gal 6:10, Heb 13:16, 1Pe 3:11, 3Jo 1:11
rich: 1Ti 5:10, Luk 12:21, Act 9:36, Tit 2:14, Tit 3:8, Jam 2:5
ready: Deu 15:7-11, Psa 112:9, Pro 11:24, Pro 11:25, Ecc 11:1, Ecc 11:2, Ecc 11:6, Isa 32:8, Isa 58:7, Luk 6:35, Luk 14:12-14, Act 2:44, Act 2:45, Act 4:34-37, Act 11:29, Rom 12:8, Rom 12:13, 1Co 16:2, 2Co 8:1, 2Co 8:2, 2Co 8:9, 2Co 8:12, 2Co 9:6-15, Phi 4:18, Phi 4:19, Heb 13:16, 1Jo 3:17
willing to communicate: or, sociable
Reciprocal: Num 21:18 – princes Deu 15:10 – thine heart Deu 26:11 – rejoice 1Ch 29:22 – eat and drink 2Ch 32:29 – God Neh 3:5 – their nobles Neh 8:10 – Go your way Psa 65:9 – thou preparest Pro 3:28 – General Pro 22:9 – He that hath a bountiful eye Pro 27:24 – For Mat 5:16 – that Mat 6:2 – when Mat 25:16 – went Mar 14:6 – a good Luk 3:11 – He that hath two Luk 16:9 – into Luk 18:22 – sell Luk 19:8 – Behold Joh 5:29 – done good 1Co 7:31 – use 2Co 6:10 – making 2Co 8:10 – expedient 2Co 9:11 – enriched Eph 2:10 – good Eph 4:28 – give Phi 4:14 – ye did Heb 6:10 – which Heb 10:24 – love Rev 2:9 – thou art Rev 3:18 – that thou
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Ti 6:18. That they do good. A rich man can do some good that cannot be accomplished by one who has no wealth. If there were no “capitalists” in the world, very few of the advancements in the industrial department of human endeavor could be made. The command in Gen 1:28 for man to subdue the earth would be difficult if not impossible of obeying were it not for men of great capital, hence the popular prejudice against that class of men is not justified. It is significant that the fundamental principle of communism is its cry against “capitalism.” Men of wealth are told to be rich in good works, and that is supplemented by the words distribute and communicate. Not that they must give their wealth all away and render themselves without possessions, for that would make it impossible for them to continue in the requirement to be rich in good works. The only thing that men with an abundance of means are required to do in the way of distributing or giving to others is to “give to him that needeth” (Eph 4:28). Further than that they are permitted to use their wealth in promoting such “good works” as will be beneficial to mankind in general. Of course if the rich men are Christians, they should use their wealth in advancing the cause of Christ in such situations that require financial support.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Ti 6:18. Do good, be rich in good works. The second good is higher than the first, as noble deeds are above merely beneficent ones.
Ready to distribute, willing to communicate. The two words are nearly synonymous. If there is any difference, it is that the former implies general benevolence, the latter a feeling more individual in its object. One distributes what it has to the poor, the other shares its possessions with a friend.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
There is a man in Indiana that started in construction. He trusted God and served Him to the best of his ability. God started moving the man up in riches and the man remained as he had been – rich in good works. Ultimately the Lord allowed this man to be the financing behind a large Christian college.
In short if you see a need, fill it. Actually the rich are to be taught to do this, but we can do the same thing in whatever situation we are in. We were in very meager financial shape when a missionary and his wife came to the church where we attended. The wife was carrying an old tattered Bible. The replacement cardboard cover was held in place with masking tape. We had just purchased some Bibles that were only $5. apiece. We really stretched the budget to buy them, but knew the kids needed them and we had two extra. We invited the folks to lunch and gave her a Bible – nothing the rich can do that we can’t do – they can just do it in a much bigger way.
Being rich in good works in this context is aimed at the rich, but it is a good principle for all to live by. We should all be rich in good works.
There are four items of concern in this verse.
1. “do good” This is not an option, if you are rich you should do good. This is the reasonable service with what God has given.
2. “be rich in good works” To be rich in good works has a double meaning. Be rich or liberal in the amount of your good works, and also you will be rich in reward and blessing as you involve yourself in good works.
3. “ready to distribute” You don’t have to wait with baited breath, but be ready – when opportunity knocks answer the door with your check book open.
4. “willing to communicate” The thought of this word has a double meaning. It relates to willing to socialize as well as distribute of your belongings according to Thayer.
Barnes and Clarke both indicate this is a giving of material items/money to make the others comfortable with the rich. I would assume this might relate to the rich mans giving to the church as well as possibly giving to a poor man’s needs. Both would bring the aspect of fellowship automatically. Being willing to be a part of the church – not set apart.
Now, to the question that is hanging over us – how much must I have to be rich? If I am worth half a million am I rich or must I have a million – well I think we get the picture. Give as God has prospered you is the principle.
The Word does not suggest a level of wealth, indeed, the level will vary from time to time.
I recently (in 2000) saw a news report of a grandfather that thought he had the world by the tail when he took a job in the 50’s that would progress to the point where he might earn $10,000 a year. The report was comparing the grandfather with his graduating grandson that was receiving $10,000 in sign up bonuses for his $40,000 a year job.
I think we all can go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help us determine if we are rich or not. I personally feel rich at times and try to give accordingly even though we are mid to low income. In the past when we were solidly rooted in the low income area, God still allowed us opportunity to share with others in need.
III. BUILD FOR GOD
“Laying up in store” — ALL RIGHT the Christmas lay away plan at Target is Biblical! Well not quite!
Fuente: Mr. D’s Notes on Selected New Testament Books by Stanley Derickson
Paul urged Timothy to instruct the rich to view their money as God’s enablement to accomplish good deeds. Rather than enjoying a reputation for having much money, they should cultivate a reputation for being rich in good deeds. They should also be openhanded, ready and willing to share with others generously what God had given them. By doing so, they would be insuring that the Lord would reward them for their faithful stewardship when they stood before Him (cf. Mat 6:19-21; Luk 12:33-34; Luk 18:22). Moreover in so doing they would experience the fullness of their eternal life (cf. 1Ti 6:12).
"A kind heart as well as a generous hand is demanded of the rich." [Note: Bernard, p. 102.]
It is not sinful to be rich, and it is not godly to be poor. God has given wealthy Christians resources for ministry that other Christians do not possess. With these resources come the temptations and opportunities to misuse them.
Note that Paul did not say the wealthy should dispose of all or even most of their wealth. He said they should be "ready to share" (1Ti 6:18) as the Lord directed them. Presumably God will lead one person to do one thing with his or her money and another person something else (cf. Joh 21:22).
Note, too, that wealthy Christians should not feel guilty because they are wealthy, assuming that they have become wealthy legitimately. They should "enjoy" the benefits of wealth. This is difficult for some to do because we commonly equate personal enjoyment with the gratification of our flesh. The rich Christian should cultivate the joy that comes from laying up treasure in heaven by investing his or her life and wealth in what will endure forever. [Note: See Knight, The Pastoral . . ., p. 274.] Furthermore since everything we have is a gift from God (1Ti 6:17), we can enjoy everything.
This passage is one that most of us Western Christians in particular need to take to heart. In comparison with the rest of the world, we are wealthy. We must guard ourselves against the flesh and the voices in our culture that urge us to take a very different attitude toward money than what Paul taught.