1 Timothy 5:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
George Verwer
Chuck Smith
St. Benedict of NursiaSt. Benedict of Nursia
Denny KenastonSt. Benedict of NursiaSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Rebuke not an elder - That is, an elderly person; for the word πρεσβυτερος is here taken in its natural sense, and signifies one advanced in years. At Ti1 5:17, it is taken in what may be termed its ecclesiastical meaning, and signifies, an officer in the Church, what we commonly call a presbyter or bishop; for sometimes these terms were confounded. There are but few cases in which it at all becomes a young man to reprove an old man, and especially one who is a father in the Church. If such a one does wrong, or gets out of the way, he should be entreated as a father, with great caution and respect. To this at least his age entitles him. The word επιπληξῃς signifies, do not smite; i.e. do not treat them harshly, nor with magisterial austerity. The younger men as brethren - Showing humility, and arrogating nothing to thyself on account of thy office. Feel for them as thou oughtest to feel for thy own brethren.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Rebuke not an elder,.... By whom is meant, not an elder in office, but in age; for elders by office are afterwards spoken of, and particular rules concerning them are given, Ti1 5:17. Besides, an elder is here opposed, not to a private member of a church, but to young men in age; and the apostle is here giving rules to be observed in rebuking members of churches, according to their different age and sex, and not according to their office and station; and this sense is confirmed by a parallel text in Tit 2:2. Now an ancient man, a member of a church, is not to be rebuked in a sharp and severe way; the word here used signifies to smite or strike; and so the Arabic version renders it, "do not strike an elder"; meaning not with the hand, but with the tongue, giving hard words, which are as heavy blows; reproof is a smiting, and there is a gentle and a sharp one, Psa 141:4. It is with the former, and not the latter, that man in years is to be reproved, when he is in a fault, whether with respect to doctrine or practice, as such persons may be as well as younger ones; and when they are observed to err, they should not be roughly and sharply dealt with: but entreat him as a father; as a child should entreat a father, when he is going out of the way; give him honour and respect, fear and reverence, and persuade him to desist; entreat and beseech him to return to the right path of truth and holiness; use him as a father in Christ, that has known him that is from the beginning, and as of long standing in the church: this must be understood of lesser crimes, and not of atrocious and flagitious ones, obstinately continued in, to the great scandal of religion, and dishonour of the Gospel; for then severer methods must be used; see Isa 45:20. But though this is the sense of the passage, yet the argument from hence is strong, that if an elder in years, a private member, who is ancient, and in a fault, is not to be roughly used, but gently entreated, then much more an elder in office. And the younger men as brethren; the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "as thy brethren". Timothy was a young man himself; and as he was to consider an elderly man as his father, and use him accordingly; so he was to consider young men as equal with him, at least in age, and take the more freedom with them, in reproving them for their faults, and use somewhat more authority with them; and yet consider them as brethren in Christ, and reprove them in a brotherly way, and with brotherly love.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle gives rules to Timothy, and in him to other ministers, in reproving. Ministers are reprovers by office; it is a part, though the least pleasing part, of their office; they are to preach the word, to reprove and rebuke, Ti2 4:2. A great difference is to be made in our reproofs, according to the age, quality, and other circumstances, of the persons rebuked; thus, and elder in age or office must be entreated as a father; on some have compassion, making a difference, Jde 1:22. Now the rule is, 1. To be very tender in rebuking elders - elders in age, elders by office. Respect must be had to the dignity of their years and place, and therefore they must not be rebuked sharply nor magisterially; but Timothy himself, though an evangelist, must entreat them as fathers, for this would be the likeliest way to work upon them, and to win upon them. 2. The younger must be rebuked as brethren, with love and tenderness; not as desirous, to spy faults or pick quarrels, but as being willing to make the best of them. There is need of a great deal of meekness in reproving those who deserve reproof. 3. The elder women must be reproved, when there is occasion, as mothers. Hos 2:2, Plead with your mother, plead. 4. The younger women must be reproved, but reproved as sisters, with all purity. If Timothy, so mortified a man to this world and to the flesh and lusts of it, had need of such a caution as this, much more have we.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:1–6:2a Right conduct in God’s household (see 3:15) relates to old and young (5:1-2), widows (5:3-16), elders (5:17-25), and slaves (6:1-2a). Proper honor within the household cuts across social boundaries.
1 Timothy 5:1
Reproof and Respect
1Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers,2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
1 Timothy 4:12
By George Verwer2.7K1:25:52Timothy1CO 2:9EPH 4:29COL 3:131TI 4:121TI 5:11TI 6:12JAS 3:6In this sermon, the speaker begins by praising God for the many answers to prayer and professions of faith that have occurred through various ministries. He then references the book of Timothy, specifically chapters 4, 5, and 6, and encourages the audience not to let others look down on their youthfulness but to speak with authority. The speaker shares a personal testimony of his own transformation through Jesus Christ, acknowledging his past sinful nature and the impact of encountering God's spirit in a prison. He also reflects on the tendency of young people to judge and gossip, emphasizing the importance of speaking positively about others. The sermon concludes with gratitude for Indian believers and the speaker's own background, highlighting the journey from materialism to a passion for God.
(Through the Bible) 1 Timothy 5-6
By Chuck Smith2.1K1:20:221TI 5:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of communication and helping those in need. He refers to a parable of a servant who, upon learning he would be fired, cleverly negotiates with his master's creditors to reduce their debts. The speaker encourages listeners to make God the center of their lives and to seek righteousness and godliness. He charges them to keep this commandment until the Lord returns. The sermon also addresses the issue of greed and how it is the root cause of wars and conflicts in the world, highlighting the need for responsible spending and prioritizing the well-being of others.
Bristol Conference 1975-06 1 Timothy - Chapter 5:
By Stan Ford75236:201TI 5:1In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the third chapter of First Timothy and discusses the basis of real Christian fellowship. He emphasizes the importance of respect for both older and younger individuals within the church. The speaker also highlights the need for recognition and regard for older women. He shares a story about a man named Edwin Willey, who passed away while leading someone to Christ, and mentions a favorite chorus of his. The sermon concludes with a reminder to observe the teachings in this chapter and to keep oneself pure.
Although Human Nature Itself Is Drawn to Special Kindness
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 16:31ISA 40:11MAT 25:40GAL 6:21TI 5:1St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of showing special kindness and consideration towards the elderly and children within the community. He highlights the need for the Rule to provide for their weaknesses, ensuring they are not subjected to the same strictness as others, especially concerning food. Instead, he encourages a compassionate approach, allowing them to eat before regular hours to meet their specific needs and vulnerabilities.
Let All Keep Their Places in the Monastery
By St. Benedict of Nursia01SA 3:1PRO 22:6DAN 1:3COL 3:231TI 5:1St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of order and discipline within the monastery, highlighting the Abbot's role in maintaining fairness and accountability in his decisions. The Abbot is urged to consider the consequences of his actions before God and to avoid unjust or arbitrary use of power. St. Benedict stresses that age or status should not determine one's place in the monastery, citing examples of young individuals who held positions of authority in the Bible. Discipline is to be upheld for all, including boys, to ensure harmony and respect within the community.
Courtship Questions & Answers
By Denny Kenaston0PRO 4:231CO 6:181TH 4:31TI 5:1Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of laying a right foundation before entering into marriage to avoid unhappy marriages and divorce. He emphasizes the need for young women to be shame-faced, avoiding boldness in interactions with men, and for young men to guard their emotions and not let them stir improperly. Kenaston advises seeking wisdom from fathers or spiritual authorities in courtship decisions, emphasizing the importance of purity, discernment, and seeking God's will in relationships.
The Juniors, Therefore, Should Honor Their Seniors
By St. Benedict of Nursia0ROM 12:10EPH 6:2PHP 2:31TI 5:11PE 2:17St. Benedict of Nursia preaches about the importance of honoring and showing love to one another based on their roles and ranks within the community. He emphasizes the significance of addressing each other with respect and reverence, with juniors honoring seniors and seniors loving juniors. St. Benedict highlights the Abbot's role as a representation of Christ, deserving of honor and respect, and encourages all members to reflect on their behavior to show themselves worthy of such honor.
Now Elihu Had Waited Till Job Had Spoken
By John Calvin0JOB 32:4PRO 22:4GAL 6:9EPH 6:21TI 5:1John Calvin preaches on the importance of modesty and honoring elders, emphasizing that God notices and blesses those who remain humble and honest. He compares the growth of fruit to the advancement of individuals, highlighting the lasting impact of those who patiently wait for God's timing. Calvin encourages young people to show respect to their elders while also speaking the truth and upholding God's honor, even if it means correcting the older generation's shortcomings.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Rebuke not an elder - That is, an elderly person; for the word πρεσβυτερος is here taken in its natural sense, and signifies one advanced in years. At Ti1 5:17, it is taken in what may be termed its ecclesiastical meaning, and signifies, an officer in the Church, what we commonly call a presbyter or bishop; for sometimes these terms were confounded. There are but few cases in which it at all becomes a young man to reprove an old man, and especially one who is a father in the Church. If such a one does wrong, or gets out of the way, he should be entreated as a father, with great caution and respect. To this at least his age entitles him. The word επιπληξῃς signifies, do not smite; i.e. do not treat them harshly, nor with magisterial austerity. The younger men as brethren - Showing humility, and arrogating nothing to thyself on account of thy office. Feel for them as thou oughtest to feel for thy own brethren.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Rebuke not an elder,.... By whom is meant, not an elder in office, but in age; for elders by office are afterwards spoken of, and particular rules concerning them are given, Ti1 5:17. Besides, an elder is here opposed, not to a private member of a church, but to young men in age; and the apostle is here giving rules to be observed in rebuking members of churches, according to their different age and sex, and not according to their office and station; and this sense is confirmed by a parallel text in Tit 2:2. Now an ancient man, a member of a church, is not to be rebuked in a sharp and severe way; the word here used signifies to smite or strike; and so the Arabic version renders it, "do not strike an elder"; meaning not with the hand, but with the tongue, giving hard words, which are as heavy blows; reproof is a smiting, and there is a gentle and a sharp one, Psa 141:4. It is with the former, and not the latter, that man in years is to be reproved, when he is in a fault, whether with respect to doctrine or practice, as such persons may be as well as younger ones; and when they are observed to err, they should not be roughly and sharply dealt with: but entreat him as a father; as a child should entreat a father, when he is going out of the way; give him honour and respect, fear and reverence, and persuade him to desist; entreat and beseech him to return to the right path of truth and holiness; use him as a father in Christ, that has known him that is from the beginning, and as of long standing in the church: this must be understood of lesser crimes, and not of atrocious and flagitious ones, obstinately continued in, to the great scandal of religion, and dishonour of the Gospel; for then severer methods must be used; see Isa 45:20. But though this is the sense of the passage, yet the argument from hence is strong, that if an elder in years, a private member, who is ancient, and in a fault, is not to be roughly used, but gently entreated, then much more an elder in office. And the younger men as brethren; the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "as thy brethren". Timothy was a young man himself; and as he was to consider an elderly man as his father, and use him accordingly; so he was to consider young men as equal with him, at least in age, and take the more freedom with them, in reproving them for their faults, and use somewhat more authority with them; and yet consider them as brethren in Christ, and reprove them in a brotherly way, and with brotherly love.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here the apostle gives rules to Timothy, and in him to other ministers, in reproving. Ministers are reprovers by office; it is a part, though the least pleasing part, of their office; they are to preach the word, to reprove and rebuke, Ti2 4:2. A great difference is to be made in our reproofs, according to the age, quality, and other circumstances, of the persons rebuked; thus, and elder in age or office must be entreated as a father; on some have compassion, making a difference, Jde 1:22. Now the rule is, 1. To be very tender in rebuking elders - elders in age, elders by office. Respect must be had to the dignity of their years and place, and therefore they must not be rebuked sharply nor magisterially; but Timothy himself, though an evangelist, must entreat them as fathers, for this would be the likeliest way to work upon them, and to win upon them. 2. The younger must be rebuked as brethren, with love and tenderness; not as desirous, to spy faults or pick quarrels, but as being willing to make the best of them. There is need of a great deal of meekness in reproving those who deserve reproof. 3. The elder women must be reproved, when there is occasion, as mothers. Hos 2:2, Plead with your mother, plead. 4. The younger women must be reproved, but reproved as sisters, with all purity. If Timothy, so mortified a man to this world and to the flesh and lusts of it, had need of such a caution as this, much more have we.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:1–6:2a Right conduct in God’s household (see 3:15) relates to old and young (5:1-2), widows (5:3-16), elders (5:17-25), and slaves (6:1-2a). Proper honor within the household cuts across social boundaries.