Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

“Instruction” (GK 4132) is the same word that is translated “command” in v.5. The aged apostle is giving his son in the faith a solemn charge “in keeping with the prophecies once made about you”—perhaps prophecies made at the time of Timothy’s ordination or of his induction into missionary work (though this phrase can also be translated, “according to the prophecies leading me to you”—there may have been prophetic utterances that pointed Timothy’s way into the ministry). Paul urges Timothy to “fight the good fight [a term from warfare], holding on to faith and a good conscience.” Paul was concerned that he and his colleagues should have a good “conscience” (GK 3287) always. Those who reject this “shipwreck” their faith.