John Calvin Commentary 1 Timothy 1:10

"for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for menstealers, for liars, for false swearers, and if there be any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine;" — 1 Timothy 1:10 (ASV)

For robbers. The Latin word plagium was used by ancient writers to mean the kidnapping or enticing away of another person's slave, or the fraudulent sale of a free person. Those who wish to obtain more complete information on this subject may consult authors on civil law, and especially on the Flavian Law.

Here Paul glances at several classes, which briefly include every kind of transgression. The root is obstinacy and rebellion, which he describes by the first two words. Ungodly and sinners seem to refer to transgressors of the first and second table of the Law. To these he adds the profane and impure, or those who live a base and dissolute life.

Since there are primarily three ways in which people injure their neighbors—namely, violence, dishonesty, and lust—he successively rebukes these three ways, as can be easily seen. First, he speaks of violence as manifested by manslayers and murderers of parents; secondly, he describes shameful uncleanness; and thirdly, he addresses dishonesty and other crimes.

If there is anything else that is contrary to sound doctrine. In this clause, he maintains that his gospel is so far from being opposed to the Law that it is a powerful confirmation of it. He declares that by his preaching, he supports the very sentence which the Lord pronounced in his law, against everything that is contrary to sound doctrine. Therefore, it follows that those who depart from the gospel do not adhere to the spirit of the Law, but merely pursue its shadow.

Sound doctrine is contrasted with frivolous questions. About these, he says (1 Timothy 6:3) that foolish teachers are in an unhealthy condition, and the questions are called diseased because of the effect they produce.