ACC ~ 1 Timothy 3 v3b

SMITING THE CONSCIENCE UNSEASONABLY. CHRYSOSTOM: “No striker.” This too does not mean a striker with the hands. What does “no striker” then mean? Because there are some who unseasonably smite the consciences of their brethren, it seems to be said with reference to them. HOMILIES ON 1 TIMOTHY 10.

REASONABLE CAUSE. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Not striking without reasonable cause, for sometimes this is permitted, if for a good reason and not with undue fierceness. COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY.

VARIED MEANINGS. PELAGIUS: This could range widely in meaning from not delivering blows to the point of death to not striking the consciences of the weak with a bad example. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON THE FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY.

1 Tim