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Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and also did confess the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/6.htm">King James Bible</a> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/6.htm">New King James Version</a> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/amp/1_timothy/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/csb/1_timothy/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life that you were called to and have made a good confession about in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/asv/1_timothy/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. <a href="/cev/1_timothy/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Fight a good fight for the faith and claim eternal life. God offered it to you when you clearly told about your faith, while so many people listened. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Fight the good fight for the Christian faith. Take hold of everlasting life to which you were called and about which you made a good testimony in front of many witnesses. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> Fight the good fight for the faith. Keep holding on to eternal life, to which you were called and about which you gave a good testimony in front of many witnesses. <a href="/net/1_timothy/6.htm">NET Bible</a> Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the everlasting life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Exert all your strength in the honourable struggle for the faith; lay hold of the Life of the Ages, to which you were called, when you made your noble profession of faith before many witnesses.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_timothy/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/web/1_timothy/6.htm">World English Bible</a> Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Be striving the good strife of the faith; be laying hold on the continuous life to which you also were called, and did profess the right profession before many witnesses. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and also did confess the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> be striving the good strife of the faith, be laying hold on the life age-during, to which also thou wast called, and didst profess the right profession before many witnesses. <a href="/slt/1_timothy/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Contend earnestly the good contest of faith, take hold upon eternal life, into which thou wert also called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Fight the good fight of faith: lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you have been called, and make a good profession of faith in the sight of many witnesses. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/6.htm">New American Bible</a> Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses. <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life to which you are called, having professed a true profession before many witnesses. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And fight in the good contest of faith and seize eternal life, to which things you are called, and you have professed a good profession before many witnesses.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold on eternal life, to which you have been called, and for which you confessed the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, into which you have been called, and witnessed a beautiful testimony before many witnesses. <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Strain every nerve in the noble conflict of faith, lay fast hold on eternal life, unto which also thou hast been called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses.<CM> <a href="/mace/1_timothy/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> exert yourself in the glorious cause of faith, and secure the prize of eternal life, to which you were called, when you made that excellent profession of faith before so many witnesses. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Exert all your strength in the honourable struggle for the faith; lay hold of the Life of the Ages, to which you were called, when you made your noble profession of faith before many witnesses. <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the eternal life, to which you were called, and confessed a good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Maintain the glorious combat of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which thou hast been called, and hast made a good profession before many witnesses. <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/6-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=951" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/6.htm">Fight the Good Fight</a> 11But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12<a href="/greek/75.htm" title="75: agōnizou (V-PMM/P-2S) -- From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.">Fight</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalon (Adj-AMS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">good</a> <a href="/greek/73.htm" title="73: agōna (N-AMS) -- From ago; properly, a place of assembly, i.e. a contest; figuratively, an effort or anxiety.">fight</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pisteōs (N-GFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith.</a> <a href="/greek/1949.htm" title="1949: epilabou (V-AMM-2S) -- To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent). ">Take hold</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/166.htm" title="166: aiōniou (Adj-GFS) -- From aion; perpetual.">eternal</a> <a href="/greek/2222.htm" title="2222: zōēs (N-GFS) -- Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.">life</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/2564.htm" title="2564: eklēthēs (V-AIP-2S) -- (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to call.">you were called</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3670.htm" title="3670: hōmologēsas (V-AIA-2S) -- From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.">when you made</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalēn (Adj-AFS) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">good</a> <a href="/greek/3671.htm" title="3671: homologian (N-AFS) -- A profession, confession. From the same as homologeo; acknowledgment.">confession</a> <a href="/greek/1799.htm" title="1799: enōpion (Prep) -- Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.">before</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollōn (Adj-GMP) -- Much, many; often. ">many</a> <a href="/greek/3144.htm" title="3144: martyrōn (N-GMP) -- A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a martyr.">witnesses.</a> 13I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7</a> I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. <a href="/philippians/3-12.htm">Philippians 3:12-14</a> Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. / Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a> Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ... <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. <a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">2 Timothy 2:3-5</a> Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. / A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. / Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a> For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-19.htm">1 Corinthians 6:19-20</a> Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-5</a> For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. <a href="/romans/6-22.htm">Romans 6:22</a> But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life. <a href="/1_peter/5-10.htm">1 Peter 5:10</a> And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. <a href="/2_peter/1-10.htm">2 Peter 1:10-11</a> Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, / and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. <a href="/matthew/10-32.htm">Matthew 10:32-33</a> Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. / But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven. <a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27</a> Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.” <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm">Revelation 2:10</a> Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23-24</a> Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.Fight.<a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">1 Timothy 1:18</a> This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;<a href="/zechariah/10-5.htm">Zechariah 10:5</a> And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25,26</a> And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible… lay.<a href="/1_timothy/6-19.htm">1 Timothy 6:19</a> Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.<a href="/psalms/63-8.htm">Psalm 63:8</a> My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.<a href="/proverbs/3-18.htm">Proverbs 3:18</a> She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.whereunto.<a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28-30</a> And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose… <a href="/romans/9-23.htm">Romans 9:23,24</a> And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, … <a href="/colossians/3-15.htm">Colossians 3:15</a> And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.hast.<a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">1 Timothy 6:13</a> I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;<a href="/deuteronomy/26-3.htm">Deuteronomy 26:3,17-19</a> And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us… <a href="/isaiah/44-5.htm">Isaiah 44:5</a> One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/acts/19-18.htm">Confessed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-13.htm">Confession</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Conflict</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-17.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Exert</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-10.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-13.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-22.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-9.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-21.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-13.htm">Professed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-10.htm">Profession</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-25.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/colossians/2-1.htm">Struggle</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-21.htm">Wast</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-6.htm">Whereunto</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-19.htm">Witnesses</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">Ages</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Confessed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Confession</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Conflict</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-4.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">Eternal</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-10.htm">Exert</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-21.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-19.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Marked</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-21.htm">Professed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Profession</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Struggle</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">Wast</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-11.htm">Whereunto</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-2.htm">Witnesses</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 6</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/6-1.htm">Of the duty of servants.</a> 3. <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">Not to have fellowship with newfangled teachers.</a> 6. <a href="/1_timothy/6-6.htm">Godliness is great gain;</a> 10. <a href="/1_timothy/6-10.htm">and love of money the root of all evil.</a> 11. <a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow.</a> 17. <a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">and whereof to admonish the rich.</a> 20. <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">To keep the purity of true doctrine, and to avoid godless ideas.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase emphasizes the Christian life as a spiritual battle. The imagery of fighting suggests perseverance and struggle against spiritual adversaries, echoing Paul's exhortation in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>, where he describes the battle against spiritual forces. The "good fight" implies a noble and worthy struggle, aligning with the values and teachings of Christ. The use of "faith" indicates that this is not a physical battle but one of maintaining and defending the Christian doctrine and personal belief in Jesus Christ. Historically, the early church faced persecution and false teachings, making this exhortation particularly relevant. The metaphor of a fight also connects to athletic imagery used by Paul in <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a>, where he speaks of running a race to win an imperishable crown.Take hold of the eternal life This phrase calls for an active and intentional grasp of the promise of eternal life, which is a central tenet of Christian belief. The concept of eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality that begins with faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in <a href="/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3</a>. The imperative "take hold" suggests urgency and determination, reflecting the need for believers to live in a way that reflects their eternal destiny. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus in <a href="/john/10-28.htm">John 10:28</a>, where He assures believers of eternal life and security in Him. The historical context of the early church, with its emphasis on the hope of resurrection and eternal life, underscores the importance of this exhortation.to which you were called This phrase highlights the divine initiative in the believer's life. The calling is a reference to God's sovereign choice and invitation to salvation, as seen in <a href="/romans/8-30.htm">Romans 8:30</a>. It underscores the idea that eternal life is not earned but is a gift from God, initiated by His call. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, as believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, as Paul writes in <a href="/ephesians/4.htm">Ephesians 4:1</a>. The concept of calling also connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's call to individuals and nations, such as Abraham in <a href="/genesis/12.htm">Genesis 12:1-3</a>, emphasizing God's purpose and plan.when you made the good confession This phrase refers to a public declaration of faith, likely at baptism or another significant moment of commitment. The "good confession" is an acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Lord, aligning with <a href="/romans/10-9.htm">Romans 10:9-10</a>, where Paul speaks of confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart. This confession is both a personal and communal act, reflecting the early church's practice of public declarations of faith. The historical context of persecution and the need for courage in making such a confession would have been significant for Timothy and other early Christians. This confession also connects to Jesus' own confession before Pilate, as mentioned in <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">1 Timothy 6:13</a>, serving as a model for believers.before many witnesses. This phrase underscores the communal aspect of the Christian faith. The presence of "many witnesses" suggests accountability and support within the Christian community. It reflects the early church's practice of public gatherings and communal worship, where confessions of faith were made before others. This public aspect of faith is important for encouragement and mutual edification, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24-25</a>, which speaks of spurring one another on toward love and good deeds. The witnesses also serve as a reminder of the cloud of witnesses mentioned in <a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a>, encouraging believers to persevere in their faith journey.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of the Apostle Paul, Timothy is the recipient of this letter. He is tasked with leading the church in Ephesus and is encouraged to remain steadfast in his faith and duties. 2. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The Apostle Paul is the author of this epistle. He writes to Timothy to provide guidance, encouragement, and instruction in pastoral leadership and personal conduct. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy is serving as a church leader. Ephesus was a major center of commerce and culture in the Roman Empire, known for its diverse population and religious practices. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_good_confession.htm">The Good Confession</a> This refers to Timothy's public declaration of faith, possibly at his baptism or ordination, where he professed his belief in Christ before many witnesses. 5. <a href="/topical/e/eternal_life.htm">Eternal Life</a> The ultimate promise and hope for believers, eternal life is both a present possession and a future hope, secured through faith in Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_the_christian_life_as_a_battle.htm">The Nature of the Christian Life as a Battle</a> The Christian life is depicted as a "fight," indicating that it involves struggle, effort, and perseverance. Believers are called to be vigilant and active in their faith journey. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perseverance.htm">The Importance of Perseverance</a> Just as athletes train and compete with dedication, Christians are to persist in their faith, despite challenges and opposition, holding firmly to their beliefs. <a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_public_confession.htm">The Significance of Public Confession</a> Timothy's "good confession" serves as a reminder of the importance of publicly professing one's faith. This act strengthens personal commitment and serves as a witness to others. <a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_eternal_life.htm">The Assurance of Eternal Life</a> Believers are encouraged to "take hold" of eternal life, emphasizing that it is both a present reality and a future promise. This assurance provides hope and motivation in the Christian walk. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_faith.htm">The Role of Community in Faith</a> The mention of "many witnesses" highlights the role of the Christian community in supporting and affirming one's faith journey. Fellowship with other believers is crucial for encouragement and accountability.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 6</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_gospel_of_inclusion_about.htm">What is the Gospel of Inclusion about?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_osteen.htm">What does the Bible say about Joel Osteen?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_religion.htm">What is the meaning of spiritual food?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'fought_the_good_fight'.htm">What does "I have fought the good fight" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.--Then, again, with the old stirring metaphor of the Olympic contests for a prize (<a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm" title="Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain.">1Corinthians 9:24</a>; <a href="/context/philippians/3-13.htm" title="Brothers, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before,">Philippians 3:13-14</a>)--the metaphor St. Paul loved so well, and which Timothy must have heard so often from his old master's lips as he preached and taught--he bids the "man of God," rising above the pitiful struggles for things perishable and useless, fight the noble fight of faith; bids him strive to lay hold of the real prize--life eternal. The emphasis rests here mainly on the words "the good fight" and "eternal life." These things are placed in strong contrast with "the struggle of the covetous" and its "miserable, perishable crown." "The good fight," more closely considered, is the contest and struggle which the Christian has to maintain against the world, the flesh, and the devil. It is styled the "good fight of faith," partly because the contest is waged on behalf of, for the sake of, the faith, but still more because from faith it derives its strength and draws its courage. "Eternal life" is the prize the "man of God" must ever have before his eyes. It is the crown of life which the Judge of quick and dead will give to the "faithful unto death." (See <a href="/james/1-12.htm" title="Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.">James 1:12</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-10.htm" title="Fear none of those things which you shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation ten days: be you faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life.">Revelation 2:10</a>.)Whereunto thou art also called.--The "calling" here refers both to the inner and outward call to the Master's work. The inner call is the persuasion in the heart that the one vocation to which the life must be dedicated was the ministry of the word; and the outward call is the summons by St. Paul, ratified by the church in the persons of the presbyters of Lystra.And hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.--More accurately translated, and thou confessedst the good confession . . . These words simply add to the foregoing clause another ground of exhortation: "Thou wast called to eternal life, and thou madest the good confession." When--has been asked--was this good confession made? Several epochs in the life of Timothy have been suggested. Were it not for the difficulty of fixing a date for so terrible an experience in Timothy's, comparatively speaking, short life, it would appear most probable that the confession was made on the occasion of some persecution or bitter trial to which he had been exposed. On the whole, however, it appears safer to refer "the good confession" to the time of his ordination. In this case the many witnesses would refer to the presbyters and others who were present at the solemn rite.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - The faith for faith, A.V.; the life eternal for eternal life, A.V.; wast for art also, A.V. and T.R.; didst confess the good confession for hast professed a good profession, A.V.; in the sight of for before, A.V. Fight the good fight. This is not quite a happy rendering. Ἀγών is the "contest" at the Olympic assembly for any of the prizes, in wrestling, chariot-racing, foot-racing, music, or what not. Ἀγωνίζεσθαι τὸν ἀγῶνα is to "carry on such a contest" (comp. <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7</a>). The comparison is different from that in <a href="/1_timothy/1-18.htm">1 Timothy 1:18</a>, Ἵνα στρατεύῃ... τὴν καλὴν στρατείαν," That thou mayest war the good warfare." The faith. There is nothing to determine absolutely whether ἡ πίστις here means faith subjectively or "the faith" objectively, nor does it much matter. The result is the same; but the subjective sense seems the most appropriate. Lay hold, etc.; as the βραβεῖον or prize of the contest (see <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24, 25</a>). Whereunto thou wast called. So St. Paul continually (<a href="/romans/1-1.htm">Romans 1:1, 6, 7</a>; <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28, 30</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/1-29.htm">1 Corinthians 1:29</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-1.htm">Ephesians 4:1</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-12.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:12</a>; and numerous other passages). He seems here to drop the metaphor, as in the following clause. Didst confess the good confession. The connection of this phrase with the call to eternal life, and the allusion to one special occasion on which Timothy "had confessed the good confession" of his faith in Jesus Christ, seems to point clearly to his baptism (see <a href="/matthew/10-32.htm">Matthew 10:32</a>; <a href="/john/9-22.htm">John 9:22</a>; <a href="/john/12-42.htm">John 12:42</a>; <a href="/hebrews/10-23.htm">Hebrews 10:23</a>). The phrase, "the good confession," seems to have been technically applied to the baptismal confession of Christ (compare the other Church sayings, <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">1 Timothy 3:1</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/4-9.htm">1 Timothy 4:9</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-11.htm">2 Timothy 2:11</a>; <a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Titus 3:8</a>). In the sight of many witnesses. The whole congregation of the Church, who were witnesses of his baptism (see the rubric prefixed to the Order of "Ministration of Public Baptism" in the Book of Common Prayer). <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/6-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Fight ἀγωνίζου (agōnizou) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_75.htm">Strong's 75: </a> From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. good καλὸν (kalon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. fight ἀγῶνα (agōna) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_73.htm">Strong's 73: </a> From ago; properly, a place of assembly, i.e. a contest; figuratively, an effort or anxiety. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. faith. πίστεως (pisteōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. Take hold ἐπιλαβοῦ (epilabou) Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1949.htm">Strong's 1949: </a> To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent). of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. eternal αἰωνίου (aiōniou) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_166.htm">Strong's 166: </a> From aion; perpetual. life ζωῆς (zōēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2222.htm">Strong's 2222: </a> Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. which ἣν (hēn) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. you were called ἐκλήθης (eklēthēs) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2564.htm">Strong's 2564: </a> (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'. [when you made] ὡμολόγησας (hōmologēsas) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3670.htm">Strong's 3670: </a> From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. good καλὴν (kalēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous. confession ὁμολογίαν (homologian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3671.htm">Strong's 3671: </a> A profession, confession. From the same as homologeo; acknowledgment. before ἐνώπιον (enōpion) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1799.htm">Strong's 1799: </a> Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of. many πολλῶν (pollōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. witnesses. μαρτύρων (martyrōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3144.htm">Strong's 3144: </a> A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 6:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 6:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 6:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 6:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>