In a pure conscience (év cafapa cuvedjce). Comp. 2 Tim. i. 3,5,19. Const. with holding. The emphasis of the passage is on these words. They express conscientious purity and sincerity in contrast with those who are described as branded in their own conscience, and thus causing their fol- lowers to fall away from the faith (ch. iv. 1,2). The passage illustrates the peculiar treatment of “faith” in these Epis- tles, in emphasising its ethical aspect and its ethical environ- ment. This is not contrary to Paul’s teaching, nor does it go to the extent of substituting morals for faith as the condi- tion of salvation and eternal life. See 2 Tim. i. 9; ii. 1; Tit. ii. 5. None the less, there is a strong and habitual emphasis on good works (see 1 Tim. ii. 10; v. 10; vi. 18; ek imi ii.) 2b iis bie Vite 15.16 teh 14143 tiles 1y 8-14), and faith is placed in a series of practical duties (see 1 Tim. 1. Dy Tae el ive [oes SF ims 3613.5 1) Time ie19s vil. 7; iii. 9; vi. 11; 2 Tim. ii. 22; iii. 10). “Holding the mys- tery of the faith in a pure conscience” is a significant associ- ation of faith with ethics. As Weiss puts it: “It is as if the pure conscience were the vessel in which the mystery of the faith is preserved.” The idea is sound and valuable. A merely intellectual attitude toward the mystery which, in every age, attaches to the faith, will result in doubt, quest- ioning, and wordy strife (see 1 Tim. vi. 4; 2 Tim. ii. 23; Tit. iii. 9), sometimes in moral laxity, sometimes in despair. Loyalty and duty to God are compatible with more or less ignorance concerning the mystery. An intellect, however powerful and active, joined with an impure conscience, cannot solve but only aggravates the mystery ; whereas a pure and loyal conscience, and a frank acceptance of imposed duty along with mystery, puts one in the best attitude for attain- ing whatever solution is possible. See J. vii. 17.
236 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cu. IIL
10. These also («al ofr 5¢). As well as the Bishops. No mention is made of a proving of the Bishops, but this may be fairly assumed. Comp. not a novice, ver. 6.
Be proved (SoxipatécOwcav). Common in Paul; only here in Pastorals. See on 1 Pet.i. 7. Not implying a formal examination, but a reference to the general judgment of the Christian community as to whether they fulfil the conditions detailed in ver. 8. Comp. 1 Tim. v. 22; 2 Tim. ii. 2.
Let them use the office of a deacon (dcaxovelrwoar). Much better, let them serve as deacons. In this sense only in the Pastorals. Comp. ver. 18.* The verb is very common ini Needs
Being blameless (avéyxAnto dvres). Rather, unaccused : if no charge be preferred against them. In Paul, 1 Cor. i. 8; Col. i. 22. Comp. Tit. i. 6,7. Itisa judicial term. The participle dvres signifies provided they are.
11. Their wives (yuvaixas). Probably correct, although some find a reference to an official class of women — deacon- esses (so Ellicott, Holtzmann, Alford). But the injunction is thrown incidentally into the admonition concerning Dea- cons, which is resumed at ver. 12; and if an official class were intended we should expect something more specific than yuvaixas women or wives without the article. A Deacon whose wife is wanting in the qualities required in him, is not to be chosen. She would sustain an active relation to his office, and by her ministries would increase his efficiency, and by frivolity, slander, or intemperance, would bring him and his office into disrepute.
13. Purchase (qrepi7rovotvtat). Only here, L. xvii. 33, and Acts xx. 28 on which see note. Purchase is unfortun- ate from the point of modern usage; but it is employed in