6:19a

treasuring up for themselves: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as treasuring up means “to keep safe that which is of great value; to treasure up, to keep safe.” (Louw and Nida (65.11) on apothēsaurizō) When a person uses his possessions to do good, it is like he is saving up and storing away something of great value. This will happen for rich people if they will obey Paul’s command in 6:17–18.

a firm foundation: Paul described this treasure as a firm foundation. A foundation is the base on which a house is built so that it will be stable. A foundation is the most stable part of a building. See the note on foundation in 3:15d. The stability of a foundation contrasts with what Paul said about riches on this earth, which easily disappear (6:17b).

Paul was saying here that when a rich person does good deeds, it is like that person is storing treasure. These good deeds act as a strong foundation upon which the person could build or base the future.

Jesus used a similar figure of speech in Matthew 6:20; Luke 12:33, 18:22.

for the future: In this context, Paul was referring to the life that a believer would enjoy forever after death. Paul used the same phrase with the same sense in 4:8c and Ephesians 1:21.

6:19b

so that: The Greek word hina that the Berean Standard Bible translates as so that introduces the purpose for which Paul exhorted rich people to obey his commands.

take hold of that which is truly life: This is the purpose for which Paul told rich people to obey his commands in 6:17–18. Living a life which is truly life means living life fully. This is something that a believer can only do in heaven with God. Life with God is true, real life.

take hold of: Paul was saying that when a person uses his possessions to help others, he can begin to experience eternal life. Paul was not saying that people earn their salvation by helping others. See the note on 6:12b.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.