ACC ~ 1 Timothy 4 v2

CULPABLE FALSEHOOD. CHRYSOSTOM: “Speaking lies in hypocrisy.” This implies that they do not utter these falsehoods through ignorance and unknowingly but as acting a part, knowing the truth but “having their conscience seared,” for they are men who live evil lives. HOMILIES ON 1 TIMOTHY 12.

THE BRIDE MUST BE READY FOR THE BRIDEGROOM. CHRYSOSTOM: In what way then is she a virgin who has fallen away from the faith, who has devoted herself to the deceivers, who obeys the demons and honors falsehood? In what way is she a virgin who has a seared conscience? For the virgin must be pure not only in body but also in soul if she is going to receive the holy bridegroom. … Virginity is defined by holiness of body and soul. But if a woman is unholy and impure in each respect, how could she be a virgin? … But she shows me a pale face, wasted limbs, a shabby garment and gentle glance. … What is the good of all that when the eye of the soul is bold, for what could be more audacious than that eye encouraging her real eyes to consider the objects of God’s creation as bad? ON VIRGINITY 5.2-6.1.

LACKING WHOLENESS OF CONSCIENCE. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: “Having their consciences seared” means not having a whole conscience, for they live the opposite of what they teach. COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY.

THE NUMBING OF CONSCIENCE. THEODORET OF CYR: “Consciences seared” refers to their final numbing, the deadening of their consciences. INTERPRETATION OF THE FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY.

CORRUPTED BY FALSEHOOD. AMBROSIASTER: The seared conscience is a branded conscience, with the implication that they have been corrupted by falsehood which makes a mark on their consciences like a brand on skin. COMMENTARY ON THE FIRST LETTER TO TIMOTHY.

1 Tim