1 Timothy 5:19
Verse
Context
Honoring Elders
18For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.20But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
Sermons
Aaron Hurst
Denny Kenaston
William MacDonald
W.W. AdamsStan Thompson
St. Benedict of NursiaSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Against an elder - Be very cautious of receiving evil reports against those whose business it is to preach to others, and correct their vices. Do not consider an elder as guilty of any alleged crime, unless it be proved by two or three witnesses. This the law of Moses required in respect to all. Among the Romans, a plebeian might be condemned on the deposition of one credible witness; but it required two to convict a senator. The reason of this difference is evident: those whose business it is to correct others will usually have many enemies; great caution, therefore, should be used in admitting accusations against such persons.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Against an elder--a presbyter of the Church. receive not--"entertain not" [ALFORD]. but before two or three witnesses--A judicial conviction was not permitted in Deu 17:6; Deu 19:15, except on the testimony of at least two or three witnesses (compare Mat 18:16; Joh 8:17; Co2 13:1; Jo1 5:6-7). But Timothy's entertaining an accusation against anyone is a different case, where the object was not judicially to punish, but to admonish: here he might ordinarily entertain it without the need of two or three witnesses; but not in the case of an elder, since the more earnest an elder was to convince gainsayers (Tit 1:9), the more exposed would he be to vexatious and false accusations. How important then was it that Timothy should not, without strong testimony, entertain a charge against presbyters, who should, in order to be efficient, be "blameless" (Ti1 3:2; Tit 1:6). Ti1 5:21, Ti1 5:24 imply that Timothy had the power of judging in the Church. Doubtless he would not condemn any save on the testimony of two or three witnesses, but in ordinary cases he would cite them, as the law of Moses also allowed, though there were only one witness. But in the case of elders, he would require two or three witnesses before even citing them; for their character for innocence stands higher, and they are exposed to envy and calumny more than others "Receive" does not, as ALFORD thinks, include both citation and conviction, but means only the former.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Them that sin rebuke before all,.... This the apostle adds to the above rule, to show that he was far from screening wicked ministers, or elders, guilty of flagitious crimes, and gross enormities: for these words, though they may be applied unto, and may hold good of all offenders, that are members of churches; yet they seem chiefly to regard elders, even such who sin, who continue to sin, who live in sin, in some notorious sin or another; which is evident and known, to the great scandal of religion, and dishonour of the Gospel: and so some read the words, "them that sin before all, rebuke"; not only admonish once and again, but degrade them from their office, and withdraw from them, as from other disorderly persons, and cut them off, and cast them out of the church, and that in a public manner; and so the Arabic version renders it, "before the congregation": which was done only in case of notorious offences: and which rule is observed by the Jews, and runs thus (h); "a wise man, an elder in wisdom, and so a prince, or the father of the sanhedrim, that sins, they do not excommunicate him (with Niddui) always "publicly", unless he does as Jeroboam the son of Nebat and his companions; but when he sins other sins, they chastise him privately.'' The end is, that others also may fear; that other elders, or other members of the church, or both, may fear to do the same evil things, lest they incur the same censure and punishment: the Syriac version reads, "other men"; and the Arabic version, "the rest of the people". The phrase seems to be taken out of Deu 13:11. (h) Maimon. Talmud Tora, c. 7. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:19-21 The climate created by the false teachers may have led to spurious charges against the leaders of the community. This passage follows the outline of Deut 19:15-21. • two or three witnesses: See Deut 17:6; 19:15; Matt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1; Heb 10:28.
1 Timothy 5:19
Honoring Elders
18For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.20But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's Heart in Church Discipline
By Aaron Hurst2.2K1:29:49Church DisciplineDEU 13:1ROM 16:171TI 5:19In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of church discipline without any bias or favoritism. He quotes various Bible verses to support his message, including 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 and Ecclesiastes 8:11. Brother Denny believes that church discipline is necessary to maintain the purity of the church and to prevent evil from spreading. He acknowledges that he does not claim to fully understand God's heart in church discipline, but he aims to share a message on the topic with God's grace.
Gift of a Pastor
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:17:52PastorDEU 25:41TH 5:121TI 5:171TI 5:19HEB 4:12HEB 13:7HEB 13:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God with a sincere and open heart. He highlights that our attitude towards the preacher can influence the perception of the message by those around us, including children. The sermon also touches on the balance of responsibilities between elders and the church, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and support. The preacher references Bible verses from Ephesians and Hebrews to support his points and emphasizes the importance of these principles in the growth and prosperity of a church.
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
Minister in a Decaying Society
By W.W. Adams90018:38Society1TI 5:19In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration with the focus on social implications of the gospel rather than biblical teachings. He emphasizes that every phase of life, including manhood, is covered in the Bible and urges the Christian Life Commission to prioritize biblical teachings over social issues. The speaker also highlights the importance of practicing Christian ethics within the church rather than trying to change the behavior of non-believers. He then discusses the historical weaknesses of the Baptist denomination, including divisions over trivial matters, and calls for self-reflection and learning from past mistakes.
The Clergy: From God or Man?
By Stan Thompson0JOB 32:21PSA 23:1PSA 111:9LUK 10:71CO 12:71CO 14:33EPH 1:221TI 5:19REV 2:6Stan Thompson challenges the traditional clergy-laity system by emphasizing the importance of following God's Word over man-made traditions and denominational teachings. He highlights the need for believers to recognize Christ as the only head of the Church and to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in decision-making and ministry. Thompson addresses the concept of worship, ministry, pastors, offices, and the sin against the Holy Spirit, urging believers to prioritize God's design for the Church over human structures and titles.
To Us, Therefore, It Seems Expedient
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 11:14PRO 16:18GAL 6:31TI 5:19HEB 13:17JAS 4:61PE 5:5St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of the Abbot having full administration of the monastery for the preservation of peace and charity. He suggests that the affairs of the monastery be administered by deans under the Abbot's guidance to prevent pride. If necessary, the Abbot can appoint a Prior with the counsel of God-fearing brethren, who must respectfully carry out his duties and adhere to the Rule. The Prior should be corrected and replaced if found to have serious faults, pride, or disregard for the Rule, with the Abbot being accountable to God for his judgments to avoid envy or jealousy.
Watchman or Gossip? Contentiously Contending - 7
By Anton Bosch0DEU 17:6MAL 1:4MAT 18:16ROM 8:271CO 13:6GAL 5:151TI 5:19REV 12:10Anton Bosch preaches on the importance of reacting to the fall of the wicked with mourning and intercession, rather than delighting in scandal or spreading rumors. He emphasizes the difference between being a watchman who warns of danger and a gossip who enjoys sharing stories of sin and failure. Bosch warns against rushing to accuse and execute others based on rumors, highlighting the need for multiple witnesses and factual evidence before making judgments.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Against an elder - Be very cautious of receiving evil reports against those whose business it is to preach to others, and correct their vices. Do not consider an elder as guilty of any alleged crime, unless it be proved by two or three witnesses. This the law of Moses required in respect to all. Among the Romans, a plebeian might be condemned on the deposition of one credible witness; but it required two to convict a senator. The reason of this difference is evident: those whose business it is to correct others will usually have many enemies; great caution, therefore, should be used in admitting accusations against such persons.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Against an elder--a presbyter of the Church. receive not--"entertain not" [ALFORD]. but before two or three witnesses--A judicial conviction was not permitted in Deu 17:6; Deu 19:15, except on the testimony of at least two or three witnesses (compare Mat 18:16; Joh 8:17; Co2 13:1; Jo1 5:6-7). But Timothy's entertaining an accusation against anyone is a different case, where the object was not judicially to punish, but to admonish: here he might ordinarily entertain it without the need of two or three witnesses; but not in the case of an elder, since the more earnest an elder was to convince gainsayers (Tit 1:9), the more exposed would he be to vexatious and false accusations. How important then was it that Timothy should not, without strong testimony, entertain a charge against presbyters, who should, in order to be efficient, be "blameless" (Ti1 3:2; Tit 1:6). Ti1 5:21, Ti1 5:24 imply that Timothy had the power of judging in the Church. Doubtless he would not condemn any save on the testimony of two or three witnesses, but in ordinary cases he would cite them, as the law of Moses also allowed, though there were only one witness. But in the case of elders, he would require two or three witnesses before even citing them; for their character for innocence stands higher, and they are exposed to envy and calumny more than others "Receive" does not, as ALFORD thinks, include both citation and conviction, but means only the former.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Them that sin rebuke before all,.... This the apostle adds to the above rule, to show that he was far from screening wicked ministers, or elders, guilty of flagitious crimes, and gross enormities: for these words, though they may be applied unto, and may hold good of all offenders, that are members of churches; yet they seem chiefly to regard elders, even such who sin, who continue to sin, who live in sin, in some notorious sin or another; which is evident and known, to the great scandal of religion, and dishonour of the Gospel: and so some read the words, "them that sin before all, rebuke"; not only admonish once and again, but degrade them from their office, and withdraw from them, as from other disorderly persons, and cut them off, and cast them out of the church, and that in a public manner; and so the Arabic version renders it, "before the congregation": which was done only in case of notorious offences: and which rule is observed by the Jews, and runs thus (h); "a wise man, an elder in wisdom, and so a prince, or the father of the sanhedrim, that sins, they do not excommunicate him (with Niddui) always "publicly", unless he does as Jeroboam the son of Nebat and his companions; but when he sins other sins, they chastise him privately.'' The end is, that others also may fear; that other elders, or other members of the church, or both, may fear to do the same evil things, lest they incur the same censure and punishment: the Syriac version reads, "other men"; and the Arabic version, "the rest of the people". The phrase seems to be taken out of Deu 13:11. (h) Maimon. Talmud Tora, c. 7. sect. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:19-21 The climate created by the false teachers may have led to spurious charges against the leaders of the community. This passage follows the outline of Deut 19:15-21. • two or three witnesses: See Deut 17:6; 19:15; Matt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1; Heb 10:28.