having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.
Another interpretive option is that perhaps these verses describe more particularly a younger Christian widow faced with the temptation of marrying an unbeliever (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:39). [Note: Fee, 1 and 2 Timothy . . ., p. 121; Mounce, p. 291; Towner, The Letters . . ., p. 353.] Her sensual desires might overpower her commitment to do God’s will and lead her to live contrary to the faith that she professed. Many English translations render the Greek word pistin ("faith," 1 Timothy 5:12) "pledge." Obviously setting aside her previous pledge does not mean breaking her pledge to her husband since Paul encouraged widows to remarry (1 Timothy 5:14).