1 Timothy 5:24-25 24The sins of some people are clear, going before them to judgment; but for others they follow after. 25Likewise also, the good deeds are clear, and the ones otherwise are not able to be hidden.
Paul pauses in his specific directions for groups in the church to give a summary in the form of a proverb. The statement focuses upon two possible scenarios for the sins of some people. First, some sins are obvious. We might call these the “big” sins that people can see. These sins might show up in ungodly lifestyles, breaking God’s laws, or broken relationships. These sins are clear to people because the actions affect others. These sins can be judged in this world with the goal of helping people see their wrong actions, repent, and experience reconciliation with God and others. There are several examples in the New Testament of how shame was used in the early church to convict people and lead them to repentance (1 Corinthians 5:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 1 Timothy 1:20). Judgment could refer to the last judgment before God or the internal judgment within the church since these sins are obvious to everyone.
The other type of sins are hidden to people but are known to God. These types of sins are internal to a person’s mind, attitude, or motives. We might be deceived into thinking that since other people cannot see our sins that these sins do not really matter. We think we can even fool God. But God knows the thoughts and intentions of the heart (1 Chronicles 28:9). Every sin has consequences. Some sins may affect few people, but even the hidden sins will bring problems to us. Sin separates us from God and from others. Our hidden sins will begin to chip away at our relationships. Even if we harbor these secret sins our whole life, nothing will get past the judgment of God.
Paul uses the same logic to switch to the positive in verse 25 by pointing out that good deeds follow the same pattern. Some good deeds are obvious to others in this life, but some good deeds remain hidden, such as giving in secret or an anonymous kindness. Both will eventually be evident at judgment, when the things we have done to “the least of these” are revealed to have been done for Jesus (Matthew 25:31-46). Even the hidden good things a person does affect others: relationships improve, attitudes are positive, and people are uplifted. A kind deed done to God’s glory will bring God’s kingdom to the person or situation.
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