1 Timothy 6:14

Keep. Gr. tēreō “to guard,” “to attend to.”

Commandment. Some believe Paul refers to Timothy’s baptismal vow (v. 12); others, to the injunctions in vs. 11, 12. In the final analysis, the Christian witness to the supreme merits of God’s way of life constitutes Paul’s challenge.

Without spot. Or, “free from censure,” “without moral blemish.”

Unrebukeable. Gr. anepilēptos “cannot be laid hold of,” “irreproachable,” translated “blameless” in chs. 3:2; 5:7.

Appearing. Gr. epiphaneia, “appearance,” “visible manifestation” (see on 2 Tim. 1:10; 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13; see on 2 Thess. 2:8). In classical Greek epiphaneia describes the sudden appearance of an enemy in war, the visible surface of the body, or the supposed appearances of heathen deities to their worshipers. In the papyri the inauguration of the emperor Caligula is described as an “epiphany.” In the NT epiphaneia is used solely to describe either the first or the second advent of Jesus. The visible return of Christ is as certain as were His physical birth and His visible ministry. Here Paul reminds Timothy and all Christians of their task until Jesus comes. The Christian witness is God’s vindication of the wisdom of His commands; this witness must be kept irreproachable until the end of time (see James 1:27). The minister’s presentation of the gospel, both in his personal life and in his teaching, must never give anyone cause to think wrongly or slightingly of God’s appointed way of life for man.