1 Timothy 3:9 - Exposition

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ΄υστήριον , a mystery, is that which, having been long hidden, is at length disclosed, either to men generally or to elect disciples. It is derived from μυέω , to initiate, of which the passive μυέομαι , to be instructed or initiated, is found in Philippians 4:12 , and is common in classical Greek, being itself derived from μύω , "to close the lips as in pronouncing the syllable μῦ ," whence also taurus . The idea is of something secret , which might not be spoken of. In the New Testament we have "the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven"; and St. Paul brings out the full force of the word when he speaks ( Romans 16:25 ) of "the mystery which was kept secret ( σεσιγημένου ) since the world began … but is now made known to all nations for the obedience of faith" (see too Ephesians 3:3-6 ; Colossians 2:1-23 :26, etc.). "The faith" is equivalent to "the gospel," or "the kingdom of heaven," or the "godliness" of Philippians 4:16 (where see note); and "the mystery of the faith" might be paraphrased by "the revealed truth of Christianity". What is added, "in a pure conscience," teaches us that orthodoxy without personal holiness is little worth. Holding "the truth in unrighteousness" is severely condemned by St. Paul ( Romans 1:18 ). He says of himself ( Acts 23:1 ), "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (comp. Acts 24:16 ; 2 Corinthians 1:12 ; 1 Timothy 1:5 , 1 Timothy 1:19 , etc.). It is much to be observed how St. Paul, the great teacher of the doctrine of g-race, lays constant stress upon the functions of the conscience, and the necessity of having a pure conscience.