1 Timothy 5:12

Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

Having - Having to bear () judgment from God (cf. ), weighing like a load on them; namely,

Because - rather, that (Ellicott).

Cast off their first faith - namely, pledged to Christ and the Church. There could be no hardship at 60 or upwards in not marrying again (end of ), for the sake of serving better the cause of Christ as presbyteresses; though, to ordinary widows, no barrier existed against re-marriage (). This is distinct from Rome's unnatural vows of celibacy in young marriageable women. The widow-presbyteresses engaged to remain single, not as though single were holier than married life (Rome's teaching), but because the interests of Christ made it desirable (note, ). They had pledged "their first faith" to His service as presbyteress widows: they now wish to transfer their faith to a husband (cf. ; ).