Bible Study for Today

Why should elders be chosen very carefully?

Paul cautions Timothy: “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily” (1 Tim. 5:22).This regards the ceremony that affirmed a man’s suitability for and acceptance into public ministry as an elder/pastor/overseer. This came from the Old Testament practice of laying hands on a sacrificial animal to identify with it (Ex. 29:10, 15, 19). “Hastily” refers to proceeding with this ceremony without a thorough investigation and preparation period to be certain of the man’s qualifications (as in 3:1–7). “Nor share in other people’s sins.” This refers to the sin of hasty ordination, which makes those responsible culpable for the man’s sin of serving as an unqualified elder and, thus, misleading people. “Keep yourself pure.” Some versions translate “pure” as “free from sin.” Paul wanted Timothy, by not participating in the recognition of unqualified elders, to remain untainted by others’ sins. The church desperately needed qualified spiritual leaders, but the selection had to be carefully executed.

In v. 24, Paul adds that “some men’s sins are clearly evident.” The sins of some men are manifest for all to see, thus disqualifying them out of hand for service as elders. “Preceding them to judgment.” The known sins of the unqualified announce those men’s guilt and unfitness before all. “Judgment” refers to the church’s process for determining men’s suitability to serve as elders. “But those of some men follow later.” The sins of other candidates for elder will come to light in time, perhaps even during the scrutiny of the evaluation process.

The same is true of good works (v. 25). Some are evident; others come to light later. Time and truth go hand in hand. The whole emphasis in this instruction regarding choosing elders, according to the qualifications of 3:1–7, is to be patient, fair, impartial, and pure (vv. 21–25). Such an approach will yield the right choices

Reading for Today:

Jeremiah 37:1–38:28Psalm 119:73-80Proverbs 27:23-271 Timothy 5:1-25

Notes:

Jeremiah 38:6 no water, but mire.The murderous princes (v. 4) would let God’s spokesman die of thirst, hunger, hypothermia, or suffocation if he sank too deeply into the bottom of the cistern.

1 Timothy 5:3 Honor. “To show respect or care,” “to support,” or “to treat graciously.” Although it includes meeting all kinds of needs, Paul had in mind here not only this broad definition but primarily financial support (Ex. 20:12; Matt. 15:1–6; 27:9). really widows. Not all widows are truly alone and without resources. Financial support from the church is mandatory only for widows who have no means to provide for their daily needs.

1 Timothy 5:17 elders. This identifies the “bishop” (3:1) or overseer, who is also called pastor (Eph. 4:11). rule well.Elders are spiritual rulers in the church. double honor. Elders who serve with greater commitment, excellence, and effort should have greater acknowledgment from their congregations. This expression does not mean such men should receive exactly twice as much remuneration as others, but because they have earned such respect they should be paid more generously. especially.Means “chiefly” or “particularly.” Implicit is the idea that some elders will work harder than others and be more prominent in ministry. labor. Literally, “work to the point of fatigue or exhaustion.” The Greek word stresses the effort behind the work more than the amount of work. word and doctrine. Or better, “preaching and teaching.” The first emphasizes proclamation along with exhortation and admonition and calls for a heart response to the Lord. The second is an essential fortification against heresy and puts more stress on instruction.

1 Timothy 5:23 No longer drink only water. “Water” in the ancient world was often polluted and carried many diseases. Therefore Paul urged Timothy not to risk illness, not even for the sake of a commitment to abstinence from wine. Apparently Timothy avoided wine so as not to place himself in harm’s way. use a little wine…infirmities. Paul wanted Timothy to use wine which, because of fermentation, acted as a disinfectant to protect his health problems due to the harmful effects of impure water.