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Book of 1 Timothy - Chapter 1 - Verse 19

1:19
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

Meaning

In this verse, the importance of holding onto faith and maintaining a good conscience is emphasized. The imagery of a shipwreck is used to illustrate what can happen when faith and conscience are disregarded. Just as a ship that veers off course and crashes against rocks, our faith can also be destroyed when we neglect it and choose to follow a different path. The verse serves as a warning against allowing our faith to be shipwrecked by putting it aside in favor of worldly distractions or temptations. By holding onto faith and keeping a clear conscience, we are able to navigate through life's challenges and remain steadfast in our beliefs. It reminds us that faith and conscience are essential components of our spiritual journey and require constant care and attention to avoid being led astray.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of the verse 'Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:' is that the author is emphasizing the importance of maintaining both faith and a clear conscience in the Christian walk. The word 'holding' suggests a deliberate and continual action, indicating that faith and a good conscience are not to be taken lightly or sporadically. The phrase 'made shipwreck' paints a vivid picture of the consequences of neglecting these two aspects of the Christian life – just as a shipwreck results in destruction and loss, so too does abandoning faith and a good conscience lead to spiritual devastation. In this context, 'faith' likely refers to belief in God and His promises, while 'a good conscience' implies living in accordance with moral integrity and honesty. Through this verse, believers are reminded of the importance of staying steadfast in their faith and maintaining a clear conscience to avoid spiritual shipwreck.

American Standard Version

holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith:
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