Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Timothy 1:19

19 Holding faith ; and a good conscience , which some having put away , concerning faith, have made shipwrack .

By faith here is meant, the Doctrine of Faith, and the holding of it signifies a steadiness of the minds assent unto it, without wavering or fluctuation, much less deserting or denying it.

By a good conscience is here to be understood what the Scripture elsewhere, Acts 24.16. calls a conscience void of offence both towards God, and towards men, opposed to the Evil Conscience, mentioned Heb. 10.22. so as a good conscience here signifies a pure conscience, which necessarily implieth an Holy Life; for our actions are presently copied out into our consciences, and make either blots or good copies there.

Which some taking no care in, viz. to live holily, so keeping a good conscience.

Have made shipwrack concerning Faith, suffered loss as to it, falling from the Truths of the Gospel. Error seldome goes along with an holy life. The Truths of the Gospel have such an influence upon mens Conversation, that ordinarily mens holiness is proportioned to their soundness in the Faith, and usually the love of some lust, is what betrayeth men into erroneous judgments and opinions.

Marginal references: chap. 3.9▪