{"id":3541,"date":"2016-05-31T14:29:58","date_gmt":"2016-05-31T14:29:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/christian-gospel.info\/?p=3541"},"modified":"2016-05-31T14:29:58","modified_gmt":"2016-05-31T14:29:58","slug":"1-timothy-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/?p=3541","title":{"rendered":"1 TIMOTHY 5"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Survey of the chapter<\/span><\/strong>
\nWe come now to the fifth charge to the Ephesians through Timothy. In verses 1 to 20, and then the fifth charge to Timothy personally, from verses 21 to 25. The chapter is about the honour that is due to various believers given their particular claim on that honour, whether it be simply as fellow-believers, or as needy widows, or as elders in the assembly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Structure of the chapter
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
(a)<\/span><\/td>\nVerses 1,2<\/span><\/td>\nHonour shown in relationships.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
(b)<\/span><\/td>\nVerses 3-16<\/span><\/td>\nHonour shown in provision.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
(c)<\/span><\/td>\nVerses 17-20<\/span><\/td>\nHonour shown to diligent elders.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
(d)<\/span><\/td>\nVerses 21-25<\/span><\/td>\nFifth charge to Timothy.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n


\nTHE WORDS OF THE BIBLE, THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES, AS FOUND IN THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY CHAPTER 5, VERSES 1 AND 2:<\/span><\/strong>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

5:1\u00a0 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:2\u00a0 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The fifth charge to the assembly at Ephesus through Timothy.
\n(a)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Verses 1,2\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Honour in relationships.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:1\u00a0 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rebuke not an elder-<\/span><\/strong> in the context this simply means an old man, for three reasons:<\/span>
\n(i)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Some elders are to be rebuked , verse 20.\u00a0 <\/span>
\n(ii)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The expression “elder women” of verse 2 is the male form of “elder man”, which would means that if we omit “elder” we could have female elders.\u00a0 But this would contradict the injunction “I suffer not a woman to teach”, for elders are to teach.<\/span>
\n(iii)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The elders here are contrasted with young men.<\/span>
\nBelievers, whether male or female, should treat elderly believers with respect for their perseverance and their vulnerability.\u00a0 God required Israelites to “rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord”, Leviticus 19:32.\u00a0 Now the apostle is enjoining it upon those who know God’s grace.\u00a0 The word rebuke has a certain forcefulness about it, having its origin in the word meaning to pound, or to smite.<\/span>
\nBut intreat him as a father-<\/span><\/strong> a believer is bound to honour the natural father and mother.\u00a0 It is the first commandment of the law that has a promise attached to it, as the apostle points out in Ephesians 6:1-3.\u00a0 The principle behind the command of the law is carried over to the present age, for we are to fulfil the righteous requirement of the law, even though we are not under it as to our relationship with God, which is secured by Christ, and not by law-keeping, Romans 8:4.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nThe ideal attitude that one should have to one’s own natural father should be the normal attitude we have to older believing men.\u00a0\u00a0 Of course, this will be easy if older believing men are fatherly in their attitude in return.\u00a0 But if this is not the case, then another Scripture should be borne in mind which says, “Being defamed, we intreat”, 1 Corinthians 4:13.\u00a0 To intreat, both in that passage, and here in 1 Timothy 5, means to exhort or to implore, which displays a completely different attitude to the rebuke we are warned against.<\/span>
\nAnd the younger men as brethren-<\/span><\/strong> not merely as friends, but those linked by a common life in the family of God.\u00a0 It is a pity when young believers only interact with one another on a natural level, engaging in social activities no different to the world.\u00a0 Youth is the time to seize opportunities to serve the Lord, using God-given energy to further His interests.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:2\u00a0 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The elder women as mothers-<\/span><\/strong> in Romans 16:13 the apostle describes Rufus’ mother as his mother, indicating that she had acted as a mother would towards him, at some time.\u00a0 His response was no doubt one of treating her as he would his own mother.<\/span>
\nThe younger as sisters, with all purity-<\/span><\/strong> Ephesus was dedicated to the goddess of love, and the whole atmosphere of the place would be permeated by lustful thoughts and behaviour, much like the world of today.\u00a0 Believing young men should only have pure thoughts about young women in general, and believing women in particular.\u00a0 Normally, natural brothers and sisters react to one another free of sexual undertones, and this should be how the young men behave towards sisters in the Lord.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE, THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES, AS FOUND IN THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY CHAPTER 5, VERSES<\/span> 3 to 16:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

5:3\u00a0 Honour widows that are widows indeed.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

5:4\u00a0 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:5\u00a0 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:6\u00a0 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:7\u00a0 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:8\u00a0 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:9\u00a0 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:10\u00a0 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:11\u00a0 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:12\u00a0 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:13\u00a0 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:14\u00a0 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:15\u00a0 For some are already turned aside after Satan.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:16\u00a0 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

(b)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Verses 3-16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Honour in provision.<\/strong><\/span>
\n5:3-5\u00a0\u00a0 ‘Widows indeed’ to be honoured.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:3\u00a0 Honour widows that are widows indeed.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Honour widows that are widows indeed-<\/span><\/strong> what a “widow indeed” is will be defined in verse 5.\u00a0 The word for “widow” has the idea of loss, being connected with word chasm; there is now a gap in her life.\u00a0 This means that her means of support is gone.<\/span>
\nThe word “honour” has the meaning of “a valuation by which a price is fixed”.\u00a0 The assembly must make a spiritual assessment of the value of the widow, and give her that in terms of honour.\u00a0 There is more required than just respect and concern, however.\u00a0 This honour should involve financial help if necessary.\u00a0 We should not make the Welfare State an excuse for not helping the poor, especially poor widows.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:4\u00a0 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

But if any widow have children of nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home-<\/span><\/strong> the Lord Jesus condemned the practice of His day whereby instead of the rulers encouraging the support of parents as the law required, they demanded a gift for the temple instead.\u00a0 Mark 7:6-13 gives the details of His condemnation.\u00a0 The elders said, “If a man shall say to his mother or father, ‘It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free’.\u00a0 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; making the word of God of no effect by your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye”.\u00a0 This in fact was spurious piety in connection with the temple, but the apostle here is enjoining piety at home.\u00a0 The best thing the children can do for their parents is to reflect their godliness in their own lives.\u00a0 This, to spiritual parents, will be the best recompense for all that they have put into bringing up their children.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAnd to requite their parents-<\/span><\/strong> this means to “give back a recompense”.\u00a0 The first recompense is to live a godly life, the second is to provide for the needs of the parents, if necessary.\u00a0 There should be gratitude on the part of the children for the sacrifices their parents have made whilst they were bringing them up.\u00a0 Notice that to provide for an aged and widowed mother is to requite the parents, for it is gratitude for what the mother and the father did in earlier years.<\/span>
\nFor this is good and acceptable before God-<\/span><\/strong> the behaviour highlighted by the Lord Jesus might have been good and acceptable to the Jewish hierarchy, but it was neither good or acceptable to God.\u00a0 It did the parents no good, and it meant the disapproval of God.\u00a0 The expression “Before God” reminds us of the solemn truth that He is watching.\u00a0 As Hagar said, “Thou God seest me”, Genesis 16:13.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:5\u00a0 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate-<\/span><\/strong> not having children to comfort and help her.<\/span>
\nTrusteth in God-<\/span><\/strong> accepts her situation as from Him, and relies on Him to meet her need.<\/span>
\nAnd continueth in supplications-<\/span><\/strong> expresses her need to Him. <\/span>
\nAnd prayers night and day-<\/span><\/strong> she does not mope and bemoan her situation, nor does she neglect to pray for others constantly.\u00a0 We see an example of this in Anna, of whom we read, “she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day”, Luke 2:37.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:6\u00a0\u00a0 Widow who is disqualified.<\/span><\/strong>
\n5:6\u00a0 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

But she that liveth for pleasure-<\/span><\/strong> the “widow indeed” lives for prayer.<\/span>
\nIs dead while she liveth-<\/span><\/strong> like the prodigal in the far country, of whom his father said, “this my son was dead”.\u00a0 The apostle warned the believers at Rome that “if ye live after the flesh ye shall die”.\u00a0 In other words, all the while they live like the prodigal did, they will be practically dead, and there will be a gap in their spiritual life.\u00a0 The widow spoken of here is not living for Christ, but for pleasure.\u00a0 As such, she disqualifies herself from the provision for her needs.\u00a0 God does not want the resources He gives to His people wasted.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:7\u00a0\u00a0 Widows’ children, and the assembly, charged.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:7\u00a0 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless-<\/span><\/strong> the assembly is to ensure that these commands are obeyed, so that censure by God is avoided.\u00a0 This warning shows how important these practical matters are to God.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:8\u00a0\u00a0 Widows’ children warned.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:8\u00a0 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

But if any provide not for his own-<\/span><\/strong> failure of children in this matter is serious; they will not be blameless.\u00a0 To provide means to see a need and meet it.\u00a0 The children should be alert, so that the need is met as soon as it arises.<\/span>
\nAnd specially for those of his own house-<\/span><\/strong> “his own” would include servants, if he had them.\u00a0 His own house means his immediate family, especially widowed mothers; such have a special claim on his care.<\/span>
\nHe hath denied the faith-<\/span><\/strong> the body of Christian doctrine is not a collection of disjointed ideas.\u00a0 It is integrated.\u00a0 To deny one article of the faith is to be a faith-breaker, just as to break one law is to be a law-breaker, James 2:10.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAnd is worse than an infidel-<\/span> <\/strong>many unbelievers, who have no time for God, nevertheless care lovingly for their parents.\u00a0 The believer has a greater responsibility in this matter, for the grace of God has taught Him, Titus 2:11,12, and the example of God as the “God of the widow and the fatherless”, should move him to action.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:9,10\u00a0\u00a0 ‘Widow indeed’ described:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:9\u00a0 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old-<\/span><\/strong> so a ‘widow indeed’ must be aged sixty or over.\u00a0 Assembly resources are to be distributed with care and discernment.\u00a0 The expression “the number” would show that this matter was to be administered methodically, with a recognised list of people eligible for help.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nHaving been the wife of one man-<\/span><\/strong> as we saw in connection with an elder, (see 3:2), this means that at any one time, there must have been only one person in her life.\u00a0 She must have been a “one-man wife”, as an elder must be “one-woman man”.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:10\u00a0 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Well reported of for good works-<\/span><\/strong> she will use well and wisely what the assembly provides, and the world will have no cause to criticise her in the way she uses the resources the assembly gives her.\u00a0 She will be enabled to continue her good works if she is freed from care and poverty.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nIf she have brought up children-<\/span><\/strong> perhaps the children referred to here are not saved, and do not provide.\u00a0 Verses 4 and 16 require believing children to provide.\u00a0 The upbringing of children is a costly matter, and she will not have had opportunity to save for her old age because of this.<\/span>
\nIf she have lodged strangers-<\/span><\/strong> she is to be marked by largeness of heart to all, not just relatives.\u00a0 This shows a level of commitment and love beyond the ordinary, and shows that provision for her needs is justified.<\/span>
\nIf she have washed the saints feet-<\/span><\/strong> she is spiritual enough to refresh believers on their pilgrimage.\u00a0 This is a figurative expression, and is in the spirit of what the Lord Jesus taught in the Upper Room when He washed the disciples’ feet.\u00a0 It was on one level an act of humility, but on another level involved the adjustment of the life of others.\u00a0 To wash someone’s feet in this sense is to do what Aquila and Priscilla did with Apollos.\u00a0 They “took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly”, Acts 18:26.\u00a0 This was a very valuable ministry, and had great benefit, both for Apollos personally, and those he taught subsequently.\u00a0 This widow had been Priscilla-like, and still was, and deserved to be helped, for she made a valuable contribution to Christian testimony.<\/span>
\nIf she have relieved the afflicted-<\/span><\/strong> she will not wallow in self-pity now if she has done this before she was widowed.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nIf she have diligently followed every good work-<\/span><\/strong> in verse 10 the word good means good in nature, as opposed to evil.\u00a0 In this verse the word good means good in effect, as opposed to harmful.\u00a0 Such a woman deserves to be given resources so that she may have resources available enabling her to continue in her good works.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:11-13\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Widows refused.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:11\u00a0 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

But the younger widows refuse-<\/span><\/strong> those below sixty years old.<\/span>
\nFor when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ-<\/span><\/strong> some become obsessed with the desire to re-marry.\u00a0 Faith in Christ should result in temperance, which is self-control, Galatians 5:22.\u00a0 Paul does not mean to imply all younger widows are like this, but is warning those who are, and stressing that these should not be provided for.\u00a0 This will be a caution to those who are not yet widowed, so that their lives may be adjusted, so that that, in the event of them being widowed, they are not disqualified.<\/span>
\nThey will marry-<\/span><\/strong> that is, they will strongly desire to marry.\u00a0 It is all a question of priorities, for Paul is not against them marrying.\u00a0 In fact, in verse 14 he will require them to marry.\u00a0 The point here is that want to marry for marriage sake, so as to relieve their hardship.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:12\u00a0 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith-<\/span><\/strong> judgement awaits them at the Judgement Seat of Christ, for they have declined in the love to Christ which marked them when they first believed.\u00a0 The loss of their natural partner should have caused them to increase in love to Christ; alas it was not so. Too often wives cast off the principles they held whilst their husband was alive.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

5:13\u00a0 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house-<\/span> <\/strong>Christianity encourages industry, so they have not learned laziness from there.\u00a0 These have learned idleness from the flesh within.\u00a0 They have time on their hands because they are not engaged in good works.<\/span>
\nAnd not only idle, but tattlers and busy-bodies-<\/span><\/strong> a tattler is a babbler, one who engages in idle chatter.\u00a0 There should be constructive conversation when believers meet, as we have seen in the case of Aquila and Priscilla.<\/span>
\nSpeaking things they ought not-<\/span><\/strong> often, idle chatter degenerates into malicious gossip.\u00a0 Such persons should not be given resources, for they will misuse them.\u00a0 The lesson is here for all believers.\u00a0 The apostle wrote, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers”, Ephesians 4:29.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:14,15\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Widows counselled.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:14\u00a0 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house-<\/span><\/strong> this will occupy their time usefully.\u00a0 It will also strengthen the assembly as children are instructed in the Scriptures, and like Timothy himself, are brought to salvation, 2 Timothy 3:14,15.<\/span>
\nGive none occasion for the adversary to speak reproachfully-<\/span> <\/strong>Satan is busy lying about believers; let us not give him material to help him in his destructive work.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:15\u00a0 For some are already turned aside after Satan.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For some are already turned aside after Satan-<\/span><\/strong> some widows had already been led astray by the Devil, perhaps into immoral practices.\u00a0 Marriage might have saved this.\u00a0 As the apostle wrote to the believers at Corinth, (a city full of immorality, as Ephesus was), “to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband”, 1 Cor.7:2.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:16\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Widows’ children charged.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:16\u00a0 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If any man or woman that believeth have widows-<\/span><\/strong> those they are responsible for because they are relatives, as stated in verse 4.<\/span>
\nLet them relieve them, and let not the church be charged-<\/span><\/strong> the saints must have confidence that what they give to the Lord is used wisely and to His glory.\u00a0 He is not the God of waste, as we see in John 6:12, where the Lord instructed His disciples to gather up the fragments of bread, “that nothing be lost”.\u00a0 Assembly funds are what the saints have given to the Lord.\u00a0 They should be distributed according to His mind, as expressed in these verses.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE, THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES, AS FOUND IN THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY CHAPTER 5, VERSES<\/span><\/strong> 17 to 20:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

5:17\u00a0 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:18\u00a0 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:19\u00a0 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:20\u00a0 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

(c)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Verses 17-20\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Honour shown to diligent elders.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:17\u00a0 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Let the elders that rule well-<\/span><\/strong> the word “rule” has the idea of “to stand before”, that is to be an example.\u00a0 Eastern shepherds did not drive their flocks but led them, as is seen in the words of the Good Shepherd Himself, “He goeth before them”, John 10:4.\u00a0 The\u00a0 people of God should be able to safely follow where their shepherd leads.<\/span>
\nBe counted worthy of double honour-<\/span><\/strong> the better the example, greater should be the honour.\u00a0 There is to be honour for personal qualifications, and in addition, honour for example they give.<\/span>
\nEspecially they who labour in the word and doctrine-<\/span><\/strong> all of the elders should be “apt to teach”, as 3:2 says, but some work at this harder than others, and therefore should be respected the more.\u00a0 The word used for labour is one which means painstaking work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5:18\u00a0 For the scripture saith, ‘Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn’. And, ‘The labourer is worthy of his reward’.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For the Scripture saith-<\/span><\/strong> we are now given the two-fold support for the statement of verse 17, first from the Old Testament, then from the New Testament, which are both called Scripture.\u00a0 The living voice of God in His word is relevant now, for scripture “saith” in the present.<\/span>
\n“Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn”-<\/span><\/strong> the ox must be allowed to bend down and take a mouthful of corn as it goes round and round on the threshing-floor.\u00a0 So in the same way, God’s labourers should have some reward now in terms of respect.\u00a0 The least we can do for those who spend time studying, is to listen to what they say as a result.<\/span>
\nAnd, “The labourer is worthy of his hire”-<\/span><\/strong> by hire is meant reward.\u00a0 This is not justification for having a paid pastor, an idea which has no support whatsoever in scripture.\u00a0 The notion of clergy and laity, or however the concept is described, is a carry-over from the Old Testament.\u00a0 Those who are involved in this practice have not grasped the principles of a New Testament church, as set out in the epistles.\u00a0 This is not to say that all involved in this practice are ungodly, for that is clearly not the case.\u00a0 It remains true, however, that they have missed the point of the new Testament teaching on this matter.<\/span>
\nThose elders who take lesser-paid jobs to give time to teach, should be supported, if necessary.\u00a0 So the idea of reward can extend to financial help, but only if needed.\u00a0 Assembly funds should be channelled only where there is need.\u00a0 The financial support of those who could very well earn their own living is diverting funds away from areas of great need.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:19\u00a0 Elders protected.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:19\u00a0 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses-<\/span><\/strong> here we have two allusions to Old Testament, first from Exodus 22:28, “Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people”, and then Deuteronomy 19:15, “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established”.\u00a0 Elders might be subjected to spiteful treatment because of their decisions, but they are not to be at the mercy of persons who bear a grudge against them, and have no supporting witness for their accusation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5:20\u00a0 Elders rebuked.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:20\u00a0 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Them that sin rebuke before all-<\/span><\/strong> this is the procedure if an accusation is supported by witnesses, and is found to be true.\u00a0 Sinning elders are to be called to account.\u00a0 They are not to think of themselves as being not liable to correction.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE WORDS OF THE BIBLE, THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES, AS FOUND IN THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY CHAPTER 5, VERSES<\/span> 21 to 25:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

5:21\u00a0 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:22\u00a0 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:23\u00a0 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:24\u00a0 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:25\u00a0 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

(d)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Verses 21-25\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Fifth charge to Timothy.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

5:21\u00a0 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels-<\/span> <\/strong>we see from Revelation 1:20 that the seven churches mentioned there each had an angel, one who represents an individual assembly before God governmentally.\u00a0 Human administration has its heavenly counterpart, as we see from Daniel 10:13, 20.\u00a0 If the angel watchers note the conduct of human rulers, as they do, Daniel 4:13,17, then it is no surprise that there are those who represent churches before God, and who note the conduct of those who rule in the assembly.\u00a0 So a particular angels is chosen, or elected, to represent a particular assembly.\u00a0 To idea that the reference is to unfallen angels generally does not seem to fit the context.\u00a0 But if Paul charges Timothy before angels given responsibility for assemblies, then we can see the relevance. <\/span>
\nThat thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality-<\/span><\/strong> God is not a respecter of persons, and He does not modify His dealings, or compromise.\u00a0 Believers have been made the righteousness of God in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:xxx, so they, too, should be uncompromising in their dealings.\u00a0 There were those in the apostle’s day who had “the persons of men in admiration for the sake of advantage, xxx, but this is not the Christian way.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:22\u00a0 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lay hands suddenly on no man-<\/span><\/strong> the laying on of hands was the way of identifying with a person in some way.\u00a0 Those who are elders should not be hasty to recognise a man as an elder.\u00a0 If a man is doing elder’s work, then he is an elder, and should be recognised as such.\u00a0 The elders who are already functioning should neither be too hasty in their judgement, nor allow personal preference to sway them. Timothy’s example would count, for he had responsibility from Paul to point out those who were to be reckoned as elders.\u00a0 This would not turn them into elders overnight, for a man who is a true elder will show clear signs of being fitted for the task before ever anyone recognises him as such.<\/span>
\nNeither be partakers of other men’s sins-<\/span><\/strong> if hasty decisions are made in this matter, and the man proves to be unfitted for the task, then Timothy will have associated with one who has sinned in some way.\u00a0 Of course this is good advice in any context, but here it relates to hastily recognised men who show themselves incompetent.<\/span>
\nKeep thyself pure\u2013<\/span><\/strong> that is, free from charge of complicity in others’ sins, as just mentioned.\u00a0\u00a0 The apostle Paul could make the genuine claim to the elders of Ephesus, that he was “pure from the blood of all men”, Acts 20:26.\u00a0 The allusion is to the words of God to Ezekiel, that if he did not warn the wicked man about his wickedness, then the wicked man’s blood would be required of Ezekiel, Ezekiel 3:18.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:23\u00a0 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake, and thine often infirmities-<\/span><\/strong> see notes on 3:8 with regard to wine-drinking.\u00a0 The Hebrews believed that the inner organs were the seat of the emotions.\u00a0 Timothy would need something to steady his nerves when dealing with difficult people.\u00a0 In Acts 20:29,30 Paul warns of grievous wolves, and others speaking perverse things.\u00a0 These would place a strain on Timothy, so the advice from the apostle is to use a little wine.\u00a0 That is, use it for medicinal purposes.\u00a0 He is not encouraging wine-drinking, but suggesting wine-using.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:24\u00a0 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgement; and some men they follow after.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Some men’s sins are open beforehand-<\/span><\/strong> this being the case, they should certainly not be recognised as elders, for their sins are obvious.\u00a0 No matter how well they may get on with people, if they have some moral flaw, they are disqualified.<\/span>
\nGoing before to judgement-<\/span><\/strong> to recognise these men is to go against the verdict of Christ at the Judgement Seat.\u00a0 <\/span>
\nAnd some men they follow after-<\/span><\/strong> their sins do not become apparent immediately, hence the need for caution, verse 22.<\/span><\/p>\n

5:25\u00a0 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Likewise the good works of some are manifest beforehand-<\/span><\/strong> the reverse is the case.\u00a0 Such men inspire confidence by the good they have done, and can be confidently recognised as elders.<\/span>
\nAnd they that are otherwise cannot be hid-<\/span><\/strong> often the work of an elder is a behind-the-scenes ministry, and a man may be going about doing that work for a while before it is generally noticed.\u00a0 If patience is exercised, then sooner or later this ministry will become evident, and the assembly may confidently be told of his fitness for the work of an elder.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Survey of the chapter We come now to the fifth charge to the Ephesians through Timothy. In verses 1 to 20, and then the fifth charge to Timothy personally, from verses 21 to 25. The chapter is about the honour that is due to various believers given their particular claim on that honour, whether it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":1,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[404,493,666,781],"class_list":["post-3541","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-1-timothy-5","tag-elders","tag-honour","tag-respect","tag-widows"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3541","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3541"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3541\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3541"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3541"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/christiangospel.online\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3541"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}