1 Timothy 5:19-20 19Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20Rebuke before everyone the ones who sin, so that the rest also will also have fear.
These directions are fare, challenging, and may be needed in some situations. Paul gives Timothy a method and process for dealing with elders who have been accused of committing sin. Timothy could respond to this situation in two ways. First, he needed to make sure any accusation was true by calling two or three witnesses. The early Christians followed the practice laid out in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15 of requiring at least two witnesses to verify an accusation (Matthew 18:16; John 8:17; 2 Corinthians 13:1). Paul does not indicate what sinners (hamartanontas) had done, but the idea is broad and could include any sin. The participle is present tense, suggesting that this sin was not the occasional moral slip but more of deliberate and ongoing activity. Involvement in the false doctrines being taught would warrant this type of harsh response. The elders had the important responsibility of making sure the gospel was taught to the people with truth and integrity and with no compromise.
Second, when an accusation of sin is verified, Timothy should then rebuke (elenche) the sinners. Rebuking may seem like a strong term in English, but considering that a sinning elder could be in serious danger of judgment, such strong correction may be necessary at times. Rebuking in a Christian context should always be done to help a person return to God and live in righteousness and holiness in a way pleasing to God. Rebuking can be a way to wake up the conscience of those who have seared their consciences and shipwrecked their faith (1:19).
The purpose clause at the end of verse 20 adds further motivation to the situation. When other elders see the shame of those who sin, they will be motivated not to be involved in sin themselves. The resulting fear could come from the realizing of God’s judgment or possibility of shame before the church. The goal of rebuking is to restore those caught in sin (1:20).
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