1 Timothy 6:21

Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.

1 Timothy 6:21 (KJV)

Context

Paul wrote this first letter to Timothy to give guidance for the church in Ephesus. In the closing verses, he warns Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him and to avoid “profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called” (1 Timothy 6:20). Verse 21 completes that warning and ends the letter with a blessing.

Meaning

The word “which” points back to the false knowledge described in the previous verse. The Greek term translated “science” is gnosis, meaning knowledge. Some people were professing a special, elevated knowledge that was not true. By claiming this false knowledge, they “erred concerning the faith.” This is not a small mistake; it is a departure from the truth of the gospel. The language suggests swerving from the way, missing the mark, or even making shipwreck of the faith. Professing false doctrine can lead a person away from genuine Christianity altogether.

Paul then writes, “Grace be with thee.” This benediction contrasts the false knowledge that leads to error with the true grace of God that sustains believers. Timothy, like every Christian, needs God’s unmerited favour to remain faithful. Grace, not human wisdom, preserves true faith.

Application

Believers today face the same danger. Claims to special knowledge that contradict the gospel can lead people astray. Christians are called to be discerning, measuring every teaching against Scripture. Church leaders especially must guard the purity of the faith and address error when it appears.

Reflection

The letter closes with a reminder that faithfulness depends on grace. Those who teach and lead need God’s help daily. The closing subscription, which says the letter was written from Laodicea in Phrygia Pacatiana, was added later and is not part of the inspired text. It does not affect the spiritual meaning of the verse.