1 Timothy 6:13-14

Here is Paul’s strongest exhortation to Timothy in this letter. He wanted him to keep God’s commandment without shameful inconsistencies or behavior that could elicit justifiable criticism. God’s commandment here probably refers to the gospel viewed as a rule of life. [Note: Knight, The Pastoral . . ., p. 266.] Paul reminded Timothy that God, who gives life to all things and who therefore could and would give Timothy fullness of life, was observing him. He reminded him that he lived under the gaze of God’s Anointed, Jesus, who had maintained a good testimony in His hour of trial. The Christian’s fight only lasts until the Lord returns, which could happen at any moment.

"The word ’appearing’ or ’manifestation’ emphasizes the visibility and glory of the coming Lord who is now hidden and invisible to human sight in Heaven." [Note: Hiebert, First Timothy, p. 118.]

The fact that Paul referred to that event rather than Timothy’s death, either of which would end his struggle, is interesting. It suggests that Paul believed Christ’s return for his saints at the Rapture was imminent and could precede Timothy’s natural death. Compare Paul’s final words in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 with these closing words in 1 Timothy 6:12-14. They are very similar.