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The last reference in our list is that of Titus 1: 9:
"Holding fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound
doctrine, both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers" (Titus 1: 9).
The word translated `holding fast' is antechomenon, a compound of anti and echo, and
is used in the Middle voce of the verb "To hold before one against something, hold on by,
cling to" is the explanation given in Dr. Bullinger's Lexicon.
The word is somewhat difficult to translate. It occurs but four times in the N.T. In
Matthew 6: 24 and in Luke 16: 13 it is used of one "holding to" one of two masters.
In I Thess. 5: 14 it is used `supporting' the weak. "Holding fast by anything, in
opposition to (anti) one who would wrest it away" (Bloomfield).
The Septuagint of Neh. 4: 16 uses antecho in the phrase "half of them kept guard;
and there were spears, etc.", with a footnote to `keep guard' that reads "or, resisted". In
Job 33: 24 the word is used in the opening of the verse "Then He is gracious unto
him", by reading "He will support him".
The context of Titus 1: 9 is intensely practical, the bishop must be blameless, "as the
steward of God". The soundness of his doctrine will not convince gainsayers if his life
denies the truth he teaches.
The `faithful word' suggests the `faithful sayings' of the Pastoral Epistles, and in
accordance with them the Apostolic doctrine. This approximates to the holding of the
form of sound words, urged upon Timothy.
We should link with this holding of the faithful Word and its contextual link with
wholesome practice, the two references given in the list namely I Tim. 1: 19 and 3: 9,
where "the faith" and "the mystery of the faith" are to be held with a good and pure
conscience.
The departure deplored in I Tim. 4: was implemented by those whose `consciences'
were seared. While conscience is no infallible guide to truth, no one can hope to
understand error unless the doctrine he holds is held conscientiously.
As we hold the Head, hold the faith, hold fast the faithful Word, and then hold it forth
as a torch in the dark, can we hope to be of any influence in leading the Lord's people in
the way of truth as the end of the age approaches. Let us not slacken our hold because
our efforts may seem to be so small; the flickering light of a candle has often lighted the
way from death and wreck to life and light.