Albert Barnes

But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.

“But refuse - That is, refuse to pay attention to them, or reject them. Do not consider them of sufficient importance to occupy your time.”

Command and teach these things.

“These things command and teach - As important doctrines, and as embracing the sum of the Christian system.”

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

“Till I come; - notes, 1Ti 3:14-15. Give attendance to reading - The word here used may refer either to public or to private reading; see Act 13:15; 2Co 3:14; compare Esdr. 9:48.”

Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.

“Meditate upon these things - Upon the train of events by which you have been led into the ministry, and upon the responsibilites and duties of the office.”

Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,

“Rebuke not an elder - The word “elder” here is not used in the sense in which it often is, to denote an officer of the church, a presbyter, but in its proper and usual sense, to denote an aged man.”

Honor the widows who are truly widows.

“Honour widows - The particular attention and respect which are enjoined here, seem to refer to the class of widows who were supported by the church, and who were entrusted with the performance of certain duties toward the other female members, see 1Ti 5:”

The widow who is truly in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day in her petitions and prayers.

“A widow indeed, and desolate - The word rendered “desolate” means “solitary, alone.” It does not necessarily imply the idea of discomfort which we attach to the word desolate.”

A widow should be enrolled if she is at least sixty years old, the wife of one man,

“Let not a widow be taken into the number - Margin, “chosen.” The margin expresses the sense of the Greek more accurately, but the meaning is not materially different.”

But refuse to enroll younger widows. For when their passions draw them away from Christ, they will want to marry,

“But the younger widows refuse - That is, in respect to the matter under discussion. Do not admit them into the class of widows referred to.”

Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.

“Let the elders that rule well - Greek, πρεσβύτεροι presbuteroi, Presbyters. The apostle had given full instructions respecting bishops 1Ti 3:1-7; deacons 1Ti 3:8-13; widows 1Ti 5:3-16; and he here proceeds to prescribe the duty of the church toward those who sustain the office of…”

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

“Against an elder - The word “elder” here seems to be used in the sense in which it is in the previous verse as relating to “office,” and not in the sense of an aged man, as in 1Ti 5:1. The connection demands this interpretation.”

I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.

“I charge thee before God - compare Luk 16:28; Act 2:20. The word rendered “charge” means, properly, to call to witness; then to affirm with solemn attestations; and then to admonish solemnly, to urge upon earnestly.”

Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

“Drink no longer water - There has been much difficulty felt in regard to the connection which this advice has with what precedes and what follows.”

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even the ones that are inconspicuous cannot remain hidden.

“Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand - The character of some people is clear, and accurately understood. There can be no doubt, from their works, that they are good people.”

All who are under the yoke of slavery should regard their masters as fully worthy of honor, so that God’s name and our teaching will not be discredited.

“Let as many servants - On the word here rendered “servants” - δοῦλοι douloi - see the notes on Eph 6:5.”

If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,

“If any man teach otherwise - Any otherwise than that respect should be shown to masters; and that a more cheerful and ready service should be rendered because they were Christians.”

and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

“Perverse disputings - Margin, “gallings one of another.” In regard to the correct reading of this passage, see Bib. Repository, vol. iii. pp. 61, 62.”

For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.

“For we brought nothing into this world ... - A sentiment very similar to this occurs in Job 1:21 - and it would seem probable that the apostle had that passage in his eye; see the notes on that passage.”

But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things - These allurements of wealth, and these sad consequences which the love of gold produces. And follow after righteousness, ... - Make these the grand object of your pursuit.”

I 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:

“I give thee charge in the sight God - see the notes on 1Ti 5:21. Who quickeneth all things - Who gives life to all; notes on Eph 2:1.”

which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time.

“Which in his times he shall show - Which God will reveal at such times as he shall deem best. It is implied here that the time is unknown to people; see the notes on Act 1:7.”

Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides…

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded - One of the evils to which they are particularly exposed.”

treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

“Laying up in store for themselves ... - The meaning of this verse is, that they were to make such a use of their property that it would contribute to their eternal welfare.”

which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith. Grace be with you all.

“Which some professing - Evidently some who professed to be true Christians. They were attracted by false philosophy, and soon, as a consequence, were led to deny the doctrines of Christianity. This result has not been uncommon in the world.”