1 Timothy 5: 19 - 21 > Accusations against an Elder
| Accusations against an Elder |
| 1 Timothy 5: 19 - 21 ( King James Version ) |
| |
| Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. |
| |
| verse 20 > Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. |
| |
| verse 21 > 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. |
| |
| |
| 1 Timothy 5: 19 - 21 ( New International Version ) |
| |
| Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. |
| v. 20 > Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. |
| v. 21 > I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. |
| |
| Text Quoted in Spirit of Prophecy |
| The Bible specially teaches us to beware of lightly bringing accusation against those whom God has called to act as His ambassadors. The apostle Peter, describing a class who are abandoned sinners, says, "Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord." 2 Peter 2:10, 11. And Paul, in his instruction for those who are placed over the church, says, "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." 1 Timothy 5:19. He who has placed upon men the heavy responsibility of leaders and teachers of His people will hold the people accountable for the manner in which they treat His servants. We are to honor those whom God has honored. The judgment visited upon Miriam should be a rebuke to all who yield to jealousy, and murmur against those upon whom God lays the burden of His work. Patriarchs and Prophets, page 386.1 |
| My husband then stated that he should understand that these words of our Lord had reference to cases of personal trespass, and could not be applied in the case of this sister. She had not trespassed against Sister White. But that which had been reproved publicly was public wrongs which threatened the prosperity of the church and the cause. Here, said my husband, is a text applicable to the case: 1 Timothy 5:20: "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." {2T 15.2} |
| The minister is not to indulge in the relation of anecdotes, but he is to preach the Word. "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 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" [1 Tim. 5:20, 21]. "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" [1 Tim. 4:12]. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" [2 Tim. 2:15]. {VSS 346.2} |