1 Timothy 1:19

“Holding faith, and a good conscience. etc.] By “faith” is meant, not the grace of faith, but the doctrine of faith, a sense in which it is often used in this epistle; (see <540309>1 Timothy 3:9 4:1 5:8) and the “holding” of it does not intend a mere profession of it, and a retaining of that without wavering, which is to be done by all believers; but a holding it forth in the ministry of the word, in opposition to a concealing or dropping it, or any part of it; and a holding it fast, without wavering, and in opposition to a departure from it or any cowardice about it and against all posers: to which must be added, a good conscience; the conscience is not naturally good, but is defiled by sin;…”

“Holding--Keeping hold of "faith" and "good conscience" (Ti1 1:5); not "putting the latter away" as "some." Faith is like a very precious liquor; a good conscience is the clean, pure glass that contains it [BENGEL]. The loss of good conscience entails the shipwreck of faith. Consciousness of sin (unrepented of and forgiven) kills the germ of faith in man [WIESINGER]. which--Greek singular, namely, "good conscience," not "faith" also; however, the result of putting away good conscience is, one loses faith also. put away--a wilful act. They thrust it from them as a troublesome monitor. It reluctantly withdraws, extruded by force, when its owner is tired of its importunity, and is resolved to…”

“Holding faith - Fidelity to the cause in which you are enlisted - as a good soldier should do. This does not mean, as it seems to me, that Timothy should hold to the system of doctrines revealed in the gospel, but that he should have that fidelity which a good soldier should have. He should not betray his trust. He should adhere to the cause of his master with unwavering steadfastness. This would include, of course, a belief of the truth, but this is not the leading idea in the phrase. And a good conscience - see the notes, Acts 23:1. A good conscience, as well as fidelity, is necessary in the service of the Redeemer. A good conscience is that which is well informed in regard to what is…”

“Holding fast faith - Which is as a most precious liquor. And a good conscience - Which is as a clean glass. Which - Namely, a good conscience. Some having thrust away - It goes away unwillingly it always says, "Do not hurt me." And they who retain this do not make shipwreck of their faith. Indeed, none can make shipwreck of faith who never had it. These, therefore, were once true believers: yet they fell not only foully, but finally; for ships once wrecked cannot be afterwards saved. 1 Timothy 1:20”

“1:19 See also 1:5-6; 6:20-21; 2 Tim 2:15-18. Conscience is viewed as a kind of gyroscope; keeping your conscience clear (or good) means ensuring that it is not destroyed (see study note on 1 Tim 4:2).”

“Holding: Ti1 1:5, Ti1 3:9; Tit 1:9; Heb 3:14; Pe1 3:15, Pe1 3:16; Rev 3:3, Rev 3:8, Rev 3:10 which: Phi 3:18, Phi 3:19; Ti2 3:1-6; Pe2 2:1-3, Pe2 2:12-22; Jde 1:10-13 concerning: Ti1 4:1, Ti1 4:2; Co1 11:19; Gal 1:6-8, Gal 5:4; Ti2 4:4; Heb 6:4-6; Jo1 2:19 made: Ti1 6:9; Mat 6:27 1 Timothy 1:20”