1 Timothy 5:1-2 1Do not rebuke an older man, but rather encourage him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
Timothy had to deal in the church with people of different ages. Each age group required a different approach. The keywords in these verses are the verb: do not rebuke . . . but encourage. The verb rebuke (epiplēxēs) is a rare word found only here in the New Testament and describes a strong form of scolding that could even lead to violence. In modern thinking, it could be like yelling back loudly or even screaming at someone. This type of response shows a lot of disrespect. The verb encourage (parakalei) is a common word meaning to encourage, come alongside of in a way of counseling, or exhort with the goal of helping someone.
Although the verse starts off referring specifically to older men, the implication of these verbs continues for each age group mentioned. These two verbs provide the background for all the rest of the guidelines Paul gives to Timothy in this chapter. Each age group in the church is described in familial terms. The earliest Christians believed themselves to be part of God’s family, adopted by their heavenly Father.
Older men and older women were typically the age of grandparents. Older people were highly respected in that culture. Timothy could claim a position of spiritual authority and rebuke the people of the church, but that could create hard feelings. Paul thinks it better if Timothy come with deep respect and treat those older as his parents. Honoring people makes it easier to encourage them. Having a positive approach to people, even when they are not correct, will have a better outcome. Timothy could encourage the older people by speaking the truth to them. If they truly believed the gospel, they would make the necessary changes in their lives.
Likewise, Timothy needed to approach the younger men and women with honor and respect and treat them as siblings. That is not to say, bickering siblings but with the love and care typical in a close knit family. Brothers and sisters should be friends who support one another in times of need.
Timothy needed to show special care with the younger women since he was himself young. As far as the biblical text goes, Timothy was single and an eligible bachelor. This could create its own set of temptations and challenges. Timothy had to preserve his integrity and uphold the highest standard of holiness when it came to the opposite gender. His mission was to preach the gospel. Therefore, Paul directs him to encourage the younger women in all purity (hagneia). This word has the sense of sexual chastity. Timothy needed to watch how he lived and how he interacted with the people of the church, and especially be cautious around the women.
The strategy implied in these verses should be considered in many situations, including business dealings and church ministry. Different temptations can arise. One is the power temptation, to use one’s position to “lord it over” people instead of serving them (Matthew 20:25-26). Another is the flesh temptation of taking advantage of people or fantasizing about them, which can become a slippery slope of compromise. The best approach is to treat people with the greatest honor and respect possible, even when we have to be strong with them in correction.
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