Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Ver. 13. Hold fast the form] The catechistical principles, that method, system, short sum of divinity, that St Paul had compiled for Timothy's use; called here not only a form, τυπος υποτυπωσις, asRomans 6:17, but a short form or brief method, such as hath both perspicuity and brevity, a platform, draught, or delineation, according to which Timothy was to steer, as by a compass.
Of wholesome words] That have a property in them, and wherein there is nothing froward or perverse, Proverbs 8:8, nothing that may hurt or hinder thy soul's health; such as were the writings of Rabbis and philosophers, wherein (to say the best of them)
" Sunt bona mista malis, sunt mala mista bonis; "
together with the gold, silver, and ivory of some sound truths, they have store of apes and peacocks, toys and trifles; yea, some snakes and serpents, that may destroy the precious soul.
In faith and love] The sum of all sound doctrine and Christian duty.