1 Timothy 5:20
Verse
Context
Sermons
Don Baker
William MacDonald
Jack Hudson
A.W. Tozer
St. John Chrysostom
Robert Wurtz IISummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Them that sin rebuke before all - That is, before the members of the Church; which was the custom of the Jews in their synagogues. But, if the words refer to the elders alone, then the transgressing elder is to be reproved before his fellows, and be tried by them. That others also may fear - This is the grand object of Church censures, to reclaim the transgressors, and to give warning to others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Them that sin--whether presbyters or laymen. rebuke before all--publicly before the Church (Mat 18:15-17; Co1 5:9-13; Eph 5:11). Not until this "rebuke" was disregarded was the offender to be excommunicated. others . . . fear--that other members of the Church may have a wholesome fear of offending (Deu 13:11; Act 5:11).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I charge thee before God,.... Who sees and knows all things, and is a righteous and most impartial Judge; with whom there is no respect of persons, and in whose place and stead, the judges of the earth, both civil and ecclesiastical, stand; and to whom they are accountable for the judgment they pass on men and things; and in whose house or church Timothy was, whose business he was doing, and which ought to be done, with a view to his glory; wherefore the apostle gives him this solemn charge as in his sight: and the Lord Jesus Christ: who also is God omniscient; and is Jesus Christ the righteous, the Head of the church, and the Judge of quick and dead; before whose judgment seat all must appear; where there will be no respect of persons, nor any partiality used. And the elect angels; by whom are meant not some of the angels, the more choice, excellent, and principal among them; as the seven angels in the Apocryha: "I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One.'' (Tobit 12:15) among whom Raphael is said to be one. But this is a spurious account, and not to be credited; nor was it an ancient tradition of the Jews, that there were seven principal angels; See Gill on Rev 1:4. The Chaldee paraphrase on Gen 11:7 is mistaken by Mr. Mede, where not "seven", but "seventy" angels are spoken of: but here all the good angels are designed, called sometimes the holy angels, and sometimes the angels in heaven; and here, by the Syriac version, "his angels"; either the angels of God, as they are sometimes styled; or the angels of Jesus Christ, being made by him, and being ministers to him, and for him; and also "elect", because chosen to stand in that integrity and holiness, in which they were created; and to enjoy everlasting glory and happiness, while others of the same species were passed by and left to fall from their first estate, and appointed to everlasting wrath and damnation: so that it may be observed that God's election takes place in angels as well as in men; and which flows from the sovereign will and pleasure of God; and was made in Christ, who is their head, and by whom they are confirmed in their happy state; and in which they must be considered in the pure mass, since they never fell; and which may serve to illustrate and confirm the doctrine of election with respect to men. Now before these the apostle charges Timothy; since they are near to the saints, encamp about them, minister unto them, and are concerned for their good; are spectators of their actions, and witnesses of what is done in churches, since they frequently attend the assemblies of the saints, and will descend with Christ, when he comes to judge the world in righteousness: the mention of them in this, charge gives no countenance to the worshipping of angels, since they are not set upon a level with God and Christ; nor is the charge delivered before them as judges, but as witnesses; nor are the words in the form of an oath, but of a charge; the angels are not sworn by, or appealed unto; only in their presence is this solemn charge given; and it may be observed, that even inanimate creatures, the heavens and the earth, are sometimes called upon as witnesses; and besides, it was usual with the Jews to make such kind of obtestations, So Agrippa (i), in his speech to the Jews, exhorting them to fidelity to the Romans, beseeches them by their holy things, , "and the holy angels of God", and their common country, that is, the good of it, that they would remain steadfast. What is the amount of this charge follows, that thou observe these things; either all that are contained in the epistle, or more particularly the rules prescribed in this chapter; concerning rebuking members of a different age and sex, providing for poor widows, and taking care of the ministers of the Gospel, and chiefly what regards the discipline of the church with respect to the elders of it; as not to admit an accusation against them, unless it is sufficiently evident, and yet not connive at notorious sinners, but rebuke them publicly; and this charge belongs not only to Timothy, but to the whole church, and to all succeeding ministers and churches in all ages. The manner in which these things are to be observed is, without preferring one before another; or, as the words may be rendered, "without prejudgment"; that is, without prejudging a case, or determining, before hearing, how it shall be; or as the Syriac version renders it, "in nothing let thy mind be prepossessed"; the sense is, that he should attend to any case that should come before him in the church, without prejudice or prepossession, and hearken to what is said on both sides; and judge impartially, and not in haste, but weigh well and consider the evidence that is given, and then determine as the case appears; so the Arabic version renders it, "without haste", or precipitancy; to which agrees the advice of the men of the great congregation, or Ezra's congregation, who were in his time, and succeeded him; , "be slow in judgment" (k), or long at it; that so by strict and close examination, things not known at first may be discovered: and when judgment is passed, it should not be through affection to one party, and disrespect to another; which is called in Scripture a respect of persons, and here a preferring one to another; and which is further explained by adding, doing nothing by partiality; or by inclining to one side more than to another. A judge should not preponderate to either side, but should hold the balance of justice even, and do nothing to turn the scale one way or another, but as the weight and truth of the evidence direct; and such a rule should be observed in all church affairs. (i) Joseph. de Bello Jud. l. 2. c. 16. sect. 4. (k) Pirke Abot, c. 1. sect. 1. Vid. Maimon in ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 Those who sin: This term refers either to one who is (rightly) accused or to one making a (false) accusation (Deut 19:16-19). • The others are either the other elders or the rest of the church (cp. Deut 19:20; Acts 5:1-11).
1 Timothy 5:20
Honoring Elders
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
Beyond Forgiveness
By Don Baker2.2K1:23:43ForgivenessMAT 18:151TI 5:20In this sermon, the speaker recounts a moment when he called a man named Greg to the pulpit in front of the congregation. It is revealed that Greg had fallen in battle and was in need of restoration and accountability. The speaker acknowledges his own failure to maintain constant contact with Greg during his restoration period. However, a group of five men stepped in to provide the support and fellowship that Greg needed. The sermon raises questions about when and how discipline should be applied and emphasizes the importance of offering second chances and support to those who have fallen.
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.
Contending for the Faith
By Jack Hudson85339:43FaithACT 20:291TI 5:202TI 4:2TIT 1:10TIT 1:13JUD 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of setting a good example and maintaining faith in God. He uses the analogy of picking up an apple to illustrate the simplicity of recognizing truth. The preacher also discusses the influence of what we see and hear on our beliefs and actions, particularly in the context of education and peer influence. He strongly condemns immoral behavior and warns against the negative consequences it can have on individuals and society. Throughout the sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to stand against evil and uphold the standards of faith.
The Primacy of Self
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 34:11PSA 119:38PRO 1:7PRO 8:13PRO 15:16JON 1:16ACT 5:5ACT 9:31ROM 3:18EPH 6:51TI 5:20REV 18:10In this sermon on Fear, the preacher delves into the various uses of 'phobos' in the Bible, highlighting how it can describe both positive and negative senses of fear. While fear can be associated with terror and dread, it can also convey a sense of reverential awe and respect, especially in the context of God's divine works. The sermon emphasizes the importance of reverential fear of Jehovah, which leads to wisdom, motivates godly behavior, and produces strong confidence, holy conduct, and Christ-honoring obedience.
Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 5.-- Thursday--(Continued)
By J.H. Newman0MAT 18:15MRK 5:4JHN 8:7ACT 8:32CO 10:8GAL 5:122TH 3:141TI 5:202TI 2:25J.H. Newman preaches on the importance of Church discipline, emphasizing the authority given by Jesus Christ to His ministers to judge and discipline according to His Word. Excommunication is highlighted as a necessary punishment to reform the wicked and remove scandals, with the goal of preserving the honor of religion. The sermon stresses the need for true repentance, the dangers of false penitence, and the importance of pastors in guiding sinners back to the right path. It also addresses the balance between severity and compassion in discipline, the power of repentance, and the role of the Church in forgiving sins and restoring the fallen.
Homily 12 on the Acts of the Apostles
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 42:211KI 21:19PSA 9:16PSA 110:2ZEC 5:2JHN 14:12ACT 5:11TI 5:20John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the severity of their sin of sacrilege and deception, leading to their tragic deaths as a result of their greed and dishonesty. He emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and the fear of God in our actions, warning against the dangers of covetousness and contempt for sacred things. Chrysostom draws parallels to other biblical examples of divine judgment for similar sins, urging his listeners to repent and turn away from falsehood and perjury to avoid the severe consequences that await the unrepentant.
Seven Myths of Repentance (Myth #3, #4, & #5)
By Robert Wurtz II02SA 12:12LUK 12:3JHN 21:232CO 5:172CO 10:121TI 5:20Robert Wurtz II addresses the myths surrounding repentance, debunking the misconceptions that penance equals repentance and that reformation alone signifies true repentance. He emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance leading to a transformation of the heart and a new nature in Christ, rather than mere external improvements or self-imposed discipline. Wurtz also highlights the incompatibility of repentance with self-defense, stressing that true repentance involves acknowledging sin without making excuses, comparisons, or explanations.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Them that sin rebuke before all - That is, before the members of the Church; which was the custom of the Jews in their synagogues. But, if the words refer to the elders alone, then the transgressing elder is to be reproved before his fellows, and be tried by them. That others also may fear - This is the grand object of Church censures, to reclaim the transgressors, and to give warning to others.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Them that sin--whether presbyters or laymen. rebuke before all--publicly before the Church (Mat 18:15-17; Co1 5:9-13; Eph 5:11). Not until this "rebuke" was disregarded was the offender to be excommunicated. others . . . fear--that other members of the Church may have a wholesome fear of offending (Deu 13:11; Act 5:11).
John Gill Bible Commentary
I charge thee before God,.... Who sees and knows all things, and is a righteous and most impartial Judge; with whom there is no respect of persons, and in whose place and stead, the judges of the earth, both civil and ecclesiastical, stand; and to whom they are accountable for the judgment they pass on men and things; and in whose house or church Timothy was, whose business he was doing, and which ought to be done, with a view to his glory; wherefore the apostle gives him this solemn charge as in his sight: and the Lord Jesus Christ: who also is God omniscient; and is Jesus Christ the righteous, the Head of the church, and the Judge of quick and dead; before whose judgment seat all must appear; where there will be no respect of persons, nor any partiality used. And the elect angels; by whom are meant not some of the angels, the more choice, excellent, and principal among them; as the seven angels in the Apocryha: "I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels, which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One.'' (Tobit 12:15) among whom Raphael is said to be one. But this is a spurious account, and not to be credited; nor was it an ancient tradition of the Jews, that there were seven principal angels; See Gill on Rev 1:4. The Chaldee paraphrase on Gen 11:7 is mistaken by Mr. Mede, where not "seven", but "seventy" angels are spoken of: but here all the good angels are designed, called sometimes the holy angels, and sometimes the angels in heaven; and here, by the Syriac version, "his angels"; either the angels of God, as they are sometimes styled; or the angels of Jesus Christ, being made by him, and being ministers to him, and for him; and also "elect", because chosen to stand in that integrity and holiness, in which they were created; and to enjoy everlasting glory and happiness, while others of the same species were passed by and left to fall from their first estate, and appointed to everlasting wrath and damnation: so that it may be observed that God's election takes place in angels as well as in men; and which flows from the sovereign will and pleasure of God; and was made in Christ, who is their head, and by whom they are confirmed in their happy state; and in which they must be considered in the pure mass, since they never fell; and which may serve to illustrate and confirm the doctrine of election with respect to men. Now before these the apostle charges Timothy; since they are near to the saints, encamp about them, minister unto them, and are concerned for their good; are spectators of their actions, and witnesses of what is done in churches, since they frequently attend the assemblies of the saints, and will descend with Christ, when he comes to judge the world in righteousness: the mention of them in this, charge gives no countenance to the worshipping of angels, since they are not set upon a level with God and Christ; nor is the charge delivered before them as judges, but as witnesses; nor are the words in the form of an oath, but of a charge; the angels are not sworn by, or appealed unto; only in their presence is this solemn charge given; and it may be observed, that even inanimate creatures, the heavens and the earth, are sometimes called upon as witnesses; and besides, it was usual with the Jews to make such kind of obtestations, So Agrippa (i), in his speech to the Jews, exhorting them to fidelity to the Romans, beseeches them by their holy things, , "and the holy angels of God", and their common country, that is, the good of it, that they would remain steadfast. What is the amount of this charge follows, that thou observe these things; either all that are contained in the epistle, or more particularly the rules prescribed in this chapter; concerning rebuking members of a different age and sex, providing for poor widows, and taking care of the ministers of the Gospel, and chiefly what regards the discipline of the church with respect to the elders of it; as not to admit an accusation against them, unless it is sufficiently evident, and yet not connive at notorious sinners, but rebuke them publicly; and this charge belongs not only to Timothy, but to the whole church, and to all succeeding ministers and churches in all ages. The manner in which these things are to be observed is, without preferring one before another; or, as the words may be rendered, "without prejudgment"; that is, without prejudging a case, or determining, before hearing, how it shall be; or as the Syriac version renders it, "in nothing let thy mind be prepossessed"; the sense is, that he should attend to any case that should come before him in the church, without prejudice or prepossession, and hearken to what is said on both sides; and judge impartially, and not in haste, but weigh well and consider the evidence that is given, and then determine as the case appears; so the Arabic version renders it, "without haste", or precipitancy; to which agrees the advice of the men of the great congregation, or Ezra's congregation, who were in his time, and succeeded him; , "be slow in judgment" (k), or long at it; that so by strict and close examination, things not known at first may be discovered: and when judgment is passed, it should not be through affection to one party, and disrespect to another; which is called in Scripture a respect of persons, and here a preferring one to another; and which is further explained by adding, doing nothing by partiality; or by inclining to one side more than to another. A judge should not preponderate to either side, but should hold the balance of justice even, and do nothing to turn the scale one way or another, but as the weight and truth of the evidence direct; and such a rule should be observed in all church affairs. (i) Joseph. de Bello Jud. l. 2. c. 16. sect. 4. (k) Pirke Abot, c. 1. sect. 1. Vid. Maimon in ib.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:20 Those who sin: This term refers either to one who is (rightly) accused or to one making a (false) accusation (Deut 19:16-19). • The others are either the other elders or the rest of the church (cp. Deut 19:20; Acts 5:1-11).