Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Timothy 1:19

"holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith:" — 1 Timothy 1:19 (ASV)

Holding faith. Fidelity to the cause in which you are enlisted, as a good soldier should act. 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 in the truth, but this is not the leading idea in the phrase.

And a good conscience. (See Barnes on Acts 23:1).

A good conscience, as well as fidelity, is necessary in the service of the Redeemer. A good conscience is one that is well-informed regarding what is right, and whose dictates are honestly followed.

Which some having put away. That is, which good conscience some have rejected, or in other words, have not followed its dictates. The truth taught here is that men make shipwreck of their faith by not keeping a good conscience.

They love sin. They follow the leadings of passion. They choose to indulge in carnal propensities. As a matter of course, if they choose to do this, they must reject and renounce the gospel.

Men become infidels because they wish to indulge in sin. No man can be a sensualist and yet love that gospel which enjoins purity of life. If men would keep a good conscience, the way to a steady belief in the gospel would be easy. If men will not, they must expect sooner or later to be landed in infidelity.

Concerning faith. Regarding the whole subject of faith. They are unfaithful to God, and they reject the whole system of the gospel. "Faith" is sometimes used to denote the gospel—as faith is the principal thing in the gospel.

Have made shipwreck. There is an entire destruction of faith—as a ship is completely ruined when it strikes a rock and sinks.