1 Timothy 6:11
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This isn't just a list of abstract virtues; it's a pursuit, an active chase. Paul tells Timothy (and us!) to be so zealous in chasing after these qualities that we're running away from the temptations of wealth and status, making them secondary to a life lived rightly with God.
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to Timothy, his protégé, who is facing challenges in the church at Ephesus. He's just warned Timothy about the dangers of loving money and the false teachers who twist doctrine for personal gain. This verse is a direct charge for Timothy to actively reject those harmful pursuits and instead, wholeheartedly chase after the virtues that truly honor God.
Paul tells Timothy to 'flee' certain things. What were these traps, and why such a strong word? It's a call to urgent action, not casual avoidance.
The Urgency of Avoidance
The verse starts with a powerful command: "flee these things." This isn't a suggestion; it's an urgent directive. In the context of 1 Timothy, Paul has just been warning against the love of money and the troubles it brings.
The Positive Pursuit
Immediately after 'fleeing,' Paul pivots to what Timothy should pursue. This isn't just about escaping negatives; it's about actively running towards the positive qualities that define a life rightly lived for God.
Ask a follow-up
Paul addresses Timothy as 'O man of God.' What does this title truly signify, and what does it demand of those who bear it?
A Title of Divine Commission
Calling someone a "man of God" (or woman of God) is significant. It’s not just a descriptor; it’s a title of divine commission and responsibility. It points to someone set apart and called by God for His purposes.
The Virtues of a True Leader
The qualities Paul lists – righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness – are the essential characteristics of such a devoted servant.
Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. This isn't just a list; it's a roadmap for spiritual transformation. How do these virtues work together?
Building a Godly Character
Paul presents six crucial virtues that Timothy, as a man of God, should actively pursue. They form a beautiful, interconnected picture of what it means to live a life surrendered to Christ.
The Dynamic of Pursuit
These aren't qualities you simply wake up with. Paul's command to 'pursue' them highlights that spiritual growth is an ongoing, active process. It requires:
Understand the original words
anthrōpos theou · Greek Noun phrase
A title used for prophets and those commissioned by God to speak or act on His behalf, emphasizing their devotion and separation to the Lord's service.
pheugō · Greek Verb
To run away from something dangerous or morally corrupt; used metaphorically for avoiding temptation or sin.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
The quality or state of being right and just in the eyes of God, obtained through faith and lived out in conduct that conforms to His moral law.
eusebeia · Greek Noun
Practical piety or devotion to God that manifests in one's life and conduct; reverence toward God.
hypomonē · Greek Noun
The quality of patient endurance and perseverance under trial or suffering; staying power in the faith.
This letter comes at a crucial time when the church in Ephesus is battling deceptive teachings. Paul's exhortation to Timothy reflects the urgent need to ground the church in sound doctrine and godly character amidst internal and external pressures.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Paul addresses divisions and immaturity in the Corinthian church, setting a precedent for dealing with similar issues in other congregations.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes 1 Timothy
Paul sends Timothy to Ephesus, a key city with a burgeoning church that was facing false teachings and internal strife.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Timothy Pastors the Church in Ephesus
Timothy, under Paul's guidance, works to correct false doctrines and establish order within the Ephesian church, likely facing significant opposition.
c. AD 64
Paul's Imprisonment and Writing of 2 Timothy
As Paul faces his final imprisonment and anticipates his execution, he writes a final letter to Timothy, urging him to remain faithful and continue the work.
This passage echoes the 'pursue' command by highlighting the importance of focusing our minds on what is good, pure, and praiseworthy, which directly supports cultivating the virtues listed in 1 Timothy.
Galatians 5:22-23It lists the fruit of the Spirit, many of which are the very qualities Paul encourages Timothy to pursue, showing the beautiful results of a life lived in step with God.
2 Timothy 2:22This verse offers a similar command to flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, showing this is a recurring and vital instruction for those dedicated to God's service.
1 Peter 3:11It directly commands believers to 'turn from evil and do good; seek peace, and pursue it,' reinforcing the active, intentional pursuit of godly character.
This isn't just a list of abstract virtues; it's a pursuit, an active chase. Paul tells Timothy (and us!) to be so zealous in chasing after these qualities that we're running away from the temptations of wealth and status, making them secondary to a life lived rightly with God.
Paul is writing to Timothy, his protégé, who is facing challenges in the church at Ephesus. He's just warned Timothy about the dangers of loving money and the false teachers who twist doctrine for personal gain. This verse is a direct charge for Timothy to actively reject those harmful pursuits and instead, wholeheartedly chase after the virtues that truly honor God.
Paul is writing to Timothy, his protégé, who is facing challenges in the church at Ephesus. He's just warned Timothy about the dangers of loving money and the false teachers who twist doctrine for personal gain. This verse is a direct charge for Timothy to actively reject those harmful pursuits and instead, wholeheartedly chase after the virtues that truly honor God.
"But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." — This isn't just a list of abstract virtues; it's a pursuit, an active chase. Paul tells Timothy (and us!) to be so zealous in chasing after these qualities that we're running away from the temptati…
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Last reviewed October 2026
