6:6

there is great gain in godly devotion: Paul uses the same Greek word (rendered “gain” and “means of gain”) in two consecutive sentences. In verse 5, he refers to corrupt false teachers who sought to use godly devotion as “a means of gain” to exploit the congregation. Perhaps they asked to be paid for the teaching they did, or they tried in other ways to obtain material advantages from others in the congregation. (2Ti 3:6; Tit 1:11; see study note on 2Co 2:17.) Or they may have taught that godly devotion was a way to become materially rich. In contrast, Paul speaks of a far greater “gain,” that is, the spiritual benefits that godly devotion brings to a Christian.

godly devotion: For a discussion of the expression “godly devotion,” see study note on 1Ti 4:7; see also study note on 1Ti 2:2.

along with contentment: Paul here links godly devotion with contentment, or “self-sufficiency,” a quality that stands in stark contrast with the materialistic ambitions of false teachers. (1Ti 6:8) Contentment brings joy and peace of mind to a servant of God.​—See study note on Php 4:11.