1 Timothy 5:17-25

This post is really long… sorry! I just kept coming across more and more things to share :)

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

“Care must be taken that ministers are maintained. And those who are laborious in this work are worthy of double honour and esteem. It is their just due, as much as the reward of the labourer.” Matthew Henry

19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses 20 as for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.

If leaders are in sin, it must be addressed forthrightly - with public rebuke, to promote a fear of sin among the leadership and the entire church leadership in which the church does not remove one from accountability, it makes one even more accountable.

21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

“The apostle charges Timothy solemnly to guard against partiality. We have great need to watch at all times, that we do not partake of other men's sins. Keep thyself pure, not only from doing the like thyself, but from countenancing it, or any way helping to it in others.” MH

“Do not treat any man, in religious matters, according to the rank he holds in life, or according to any personal attachment that one may have for him. Every man should be dealt with in the church as he will be dealt with at the judgment-seat of Christ.” Adam Clarke

22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.

Paul cautioned Timothy to let a man prove himself before he was recognized in ministry. There should not be a rush; time must season a man and his ministry. Since ordination simply recognizes God’s calling, it is all the more reason to not be in a hurry - time should be given to allow those gifts and callings to demonstrate themselves.

24 The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden

“There are secret, and there are open sins: some men's sins are open before-hand, and going before unto judgment; some they follow after. God will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make known the counsels of all hearts." MH

It is easy to see the struggles and sins some have; but with some others, the sins are hidden. Good works are always eventually revealed; but sins are sometimes hidden, and will be evident only at the judgment. These words are meant to be a caution to Timothy in his appointing of leaders. Sometimes what one sees on the outside isn’t really an accurate picture, so we need to take it slow, and wait on God for discernment.

“Looking forward to the judgment-day, let us all attend to our proper offices, whether in higher or lower stations, studying that the name and doctrine of God may never be blasphemed on our account.” MH

Amen! Let us fight for the day when we will see our Holy Father face to face. Let’s not waste our lives here on earth, but live in light of eternity! Oh what a glorious day it will be!