1 Timothy 5:19 - Honoring Elders

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder
This phrase emphasizes the importance of protecting church leaders from false accusations. In the early church, elders were responsible for teaching, leading, and maintaining order within the congregation. The term "elder" refers to those holding positions of authority and spiritual oversight, similar to pastors or bishops today. The instruction to not entertain accusations lightly reflects the need for due process and fairness, recognizing the potential for malicious intent or misunderstandings. This principle aligns with the Old Testament law found in Deuteronomy 19:15, which requires multiple witnesses to establish a matter, ensuring that accusations are substantiated and not based on hearsay.

except on the testimony of two or three witnesses
This requirement for multiple witnesses is rooted in Jewish legal tradition and is a safeguard against false testimony. It reflects a broader biblical principle of justice and truth, as seen in passages like Matthew 18:16, where Jesus instructs His followers on resolving disputes. The insistence on two or three witnesses ensures that accusations are credible and verifiable, protecting both the accused and the accuser. This standard is not only a legal safeguard but also a moral one, emphasizing the seriousness of bringing charges against a leader and the need for integrity within the church community. The principle underscores the importance of community accountability and the collective discernment of truth.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with overseeing the church and ensuring sound doctrine.

3. Elders
Church leaders responsible for teaching, shepherding, and maintaining order within the Christian community.

4. Ephesus
The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and challenges to early Christian teachings.

5. Witnesses
Individuals who provide testimony or evidence, crucial in establishing the truth of an accusation.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Due Process
The requirement for multiple witnesses ensures that accusations are substantiated and not based on hearsay or personal vendettas.

Protecting Church Leadership
Elders are often targets of false accusations due to their visibility and authority. This guideline helps protect them from unjust criticism.

Maintaining Church Integrity
By adhering to this principle, the church upholds justice and integrity, fostering a community of trust and respect.

Encouraging Accountability
While protecting leaders, this also ensures they are held accountable for their actions, promoting transparency and righteousness.

Promoting Unity and Peace
Proper handling of accusations prevents division and strife within the church, promoting unity and peace among believers.

(19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.--By the "elder" here we must understand a presbyter--the ordained minister of the Church. St. Paul has been directing his son in the faith, and successor in the government of the chief Asian Church, carefully to watch for, and to reward by dignity and honour, the services of the more zealous and distinguished presbyters. He now tells him that the other matters, besides zeal and successful service among the Church's professed officers, will come before him when he stands at the helm of the Church. Charges--owing, possibly, to jealousy, party feeling, suspected doctrinal error--will not unfrequently be brought against a presbyter. Such an accusation is only to be received by Timothy when the evidence is perfectly clear. Every possible precaution against simply vexatious charges brought against one occupying the hard and difficult position of a presbyter, must be taken by the presiding minister. The reference is to Deuteronomy 17:6.

Verse 19. - Except at the mouth of for but before, A.V. An elder; here clearly a presbyter, as the context proves. Receive (παραδέχου); give ear to, entertain; as in Acts 22:18, "They will not receive thy testimony." At the mouth of, etc. There is a reference to the law in Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 19:15, and elsewhere (to which our Lord also refers, John 8:17), and St. Paul applies the principle of the law to Timothy's dealings with presbyters who might be accused of not "ruling well." He was not to encourage delatores, secret accusers and defamers, but if any one had a charge to make against a ruler, it was to be done in the presence of witnesses (ἐπί with a genitive). A doubt arises whether" the witnesses" here spoken of were to be witnesses able to support the accusation, or merely witnesses in whose presence the accusation must be made. The juxtaposition of the legal terms κατηγορία and ἐπὶ μαρτύρων favors the strict meaning of μαρτύρων, witnesses able to support the κατηγορία. And, therefore, the direction to Timothy is, "Suffer no man to accuse a presbyter unless he is accompanied by two or three witnesses who are ready to back up the accusation." The italic the mouth of, in the R.V., is not necessary or indeed justified. There is no ellipsis of στόματος. Ἐτὶ δύο ῃ} τριῶν῞ μαρτύρων, "before two or three witnesses," is good classical Greek. Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

{Do} not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

entertain
παραδέχου (paradechou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3858: To receive, accept, acknowledge. From para and dechomai; to accept near, i.e. Admit or delight in.

an accusation
κατηγορίαν (katēgorian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2724: An accusation, charge. From kategoros; a complaint, i.e. Criminal charge.

against
Κατὰ (Kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

an elder,
πρεσβυτέρου (presbyterou)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4245: Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.

except
ἐκτὸς (ektos)
Adverb
Strong's 1622: From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides.

on [the testimony of]
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

or
ἢ (ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

three
τριῶν (triōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.

witnesses.
μαρτύρων (martyrōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3144: A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'.

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