Accusations Against Elders 1 Timothy 5:19

Paul the apostle knew there were “elders” within the church of Ephesus, and he desired for Timothy to know how they were to be treated. These “presbyteros'” were worthy of “double honor” particularly if they labored “in the word and doctrine”, and they were “worthy” of their “reward” for doing so. In chapter five and verse nineteen of his letter to Timothy, Paul gives instructions to Timothy for when an “accusation” against an “elder” is shared with him. We read:

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

The verse begins, “Against an elder receive not an accusation,” Paul began with the word, “Against” which means “down from, through out, according to, toward and along” “an elder” “an advanced one in age, who was mature and presided over the assemblies” “receive not” or “do not accept, take up or take upon one's self” “an accusation” which means “charge or complaint generally of a crime”. Upon first glance at this portion of the verse, it may appear that Paul is telling Timothy to never receive any accusation or complaint against an elder even if it is a crime, but we must read on to know what Paul's intention was in this area.

The verse goes on to say, “but before two or three witnesses.” Paul continued his thought with, “but” which is the disassociation term that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was previously stated, “before” or in front of, by, in place or in order” “two or three witnesses” which in the Greek is “martys” and means “one who is a spectator of anything”. The idea is that these “witnesses” needed to have actually observed the behavior and will testify of its authenticity when they bring an “accusation” against an “elder”.

Moses wrote in Deuteronomy chapter nineteen and verse fifteen, “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.”, and Jesus referred to this verse in the gospel of Matthew in chapter eighteen and verse sixteen where He said, “But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” When an “elder” has someone bring an “accusation” against him, it is very serious business, and it can affect an entire church. Paul knew this, and he insured that he gave instruction to Timothy in this area. As we ponder Paul's words, do we really understand the seriousness of what he has written? Do we consider the consequences for bringing an “accusation” against a leader -“elder” who is in the church? May the Lord Jesus bring us to the knowledge of His truth, and should we ever have to “receive” or give an “accusation” against an “elder”, let us be sure to do so according to the Word of God.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how to deal with an elder who sins, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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