Do not entertain an accusation against an elderThis phrase emphasizes the importance of protecting church leaders from false accusations. In the early church, elders were responsible for teaching, leading, and maintaining order within the congregation. The term "elder" refers to those holding positions of authority and spiritual oversight, similar to pastors or bishops today. The instruction to not entertain accusations lightly reflects the need for due process and fairness, recognizing the potential for malicious intent or misunderstandings. This principle aligns with the Old Testament law found in
Deuteronomy 19:15, which requires multiple witnesses to establish a matter, ensuring that accusations are substantiated and not based on hearsay.
except on the testimony of two or three witnesses
This requirement for multiple witnesses is rooted in Jewish legal tradition and is a safeguard against false testimony. It reflects a broader biblical principle of justice and truth, as seen in passages likeMatthew 18:16, where Jesus instructs His followers on resolving disputes. The insistence on two or three witnesses ensures that accusations are credible and verifiable, protecting both the accused and the accuser. This standard is not only a legal safeguard but also a moral one, emphasizing the seriousness of bringing charges against a leader and the need for integrity within the church community. The principle underscores the importance of community accountability and the collective discernment of truth.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance on church leadership and conduct.
2.
TimothyA young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus, tasked with overseeing the church and ensuring sound doctrine.
3.
EldersChurch leaders responsible for teaching, shepherding, and maintaining order within the Christian community.
4.
EphesusThe city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse population and challenges to early Christian teachings.
5.
WitnessesIndividuals who provide testimony or evidence, crucial in establishing the truth of an accusation.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Due ProcessThe requirement for multiple witnesses ensures that accusations are substantiated and not based on hearsay or personal vendettas.
Protecting Church LeadershipElders are often targets of false accusations due to their visibility and authority. This guideline helps protect them from unjust criticism.
Maintaining Church IntegrityBy adhering to this principle, the church upholds justice and integrity, fostering a community of trust and respect.
Encouraging AccountabilityWhile protecting leaders, this also ensures they are held accountable for their actions, promoting transparency and righteousness.
Promoting Unity and PeaceProper handling of accusations prevents division and strife within the church, promoting unity and peace among believers.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 5:19?
2.Why are "two or three witnesses" important in accusations against elders?
3.How does 1 Timothy 5:19 protect church leadership from false accusations?
4.What Old Testament principles align with 1 Timothy 5:19's guidance on accusations?
5.How can we ensure fairness when addressing accusations within the church today?
6.In what ways can church members support elders while upholding accountability?
7.Why does 1 Timothy 5:19 require two or three witnesses against an elder?
8.How does 1 Timothy 5:19 protect church leaders from false accusations?
9.What historical context influenced the directive in 1 Timothy 5:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 5?
11.How should a church address gossip about its pastor?
12.How should church members address criticism of their pastor?
13.If modern scholarship questions Paul’s authorship of 1 Timothy, how does that impact the legitimacy of the church leadership guidelines in chapter 5?
14.How should a church address gossip about its pastor?What Does 1 Timothy 5:19 Mean
Do not entertain an accusationPaul begins with a clear command: “Do not entertain an accusation…” (1 Timothy 5:19).
• “Entertain” means giving any accusation room to take root in our minds or in the congregation.
•Proverbs 18:13 warns, “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him,” underscoring the danger of hastily receiving rumors.
• This safeguard preserves unity and protects leaders from slander that can quickly undermine church stability (cf.James 3:5-6).
Against an elderThe focus is on elders—those charged with feeding, leading, and guarding the flock (Acts 20:28;1 Peter 5:1-3).
• Because their influence is significant, accusations can do disproportionate harm.
• Protecting them from frivolous claims does not place them above accountability; rather, it ensures accountability is handled rightly (Hebrews 13:17).
Except on the testimonyPaul adds a necessary exception: legitimate testimony.
• The church must not brush off real sin in leadership (Galatians 2:11-14 shows Paul publicly confronted Peter).
• “Testimony” signals a formal, verifiable report, not hearsay or gossip (Proverbs 25:9-10).
• Leaders remain under the same moral law they proclaim (James 3:1).
Of two or three witnessesThe standard mirrors God’s longstanding judicial principle: “A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15).
• Jesus applied it in church discipline (Matthew 18:16).
• Paul reiterated it when defending his own ministry (2 Corinthians 13:1).
• Multiple witnesses:
– Filter out false charges.
– Provide corroboration, promoting due process.
– Encourage any accuser to seek accountability with integrity, not malice.
summary1 Timothy 5:19 lays out a balanced, protective guideline: the church must shield elders from baseless claims while maintaining a clear, biblical avenue for addressing real sin. By requiring two or three witnesses, God upholds justice, preserves unity, and ensures that both leaders and congregations walk in truth and integrity.
(19)
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.--By the "elder" here we must understand a presbyter--the ordained minister of the Church. St. Paul has been directing his son in the faith, and successor in the government of the chief Asian Church, carefully to watch for, and to reward by dignity and honour, the services of the more zealous and distinguished presbyters. He now tells him that the other matters, besides zeal and successful service among the Church's professed officers, will come before him when he stands at the helm of the Church. Charges--owing, possibly, to jealousy, party feeling, suspected doctrinal error--will not unfrequently be brought against a presbyter. Such an accusation is only to be received by Timothy when the evidence is perfectly clear. Every possible precaution against simply vexatious charges brought against one occupying the hard and difficult position of a presbyter, must be taken by the presiding minister. The reference is to
Deuteronomy 17:6.
Verse 19. -
Except at the mouth of for
but before, A.V.
An elder; here clearly a presbyter, as the context proves.
Receive (
παραδέχου);
give ear to,
entertain; as in
Acts 22:18, "They will not
receive thy testimony."
At the mouth of, etc. There is a reference to the law in
Numbers 35:30;
Deuteronomy 19:15, and elsewhere (to which our Lord also refers,
John 8:17), and St. Paul applies the principle of the law to Timothy's dealings with presbyters who might be accused of not "ruling well." He was not to encourage
delatores, secret accusers and defamers, but if any one had a charge to make against a ruler, it was to be done
in the presence of witnesses (
ἐπί with a genitive). A doubt arises whether" the witnesses" here spoken of were to be witnesses able to support the accusation, or merely witnesses in whose presence the accusation must be made. The juxtaposition of the legal terms
κατηγορία and
ἐπὶ μαρτύρων favors the strict meaning of
μαρτύρων, witnesses able to support the
κατηγορία. And, therefore, the direction to Timothy is, "Suffer no man to accuse a presbyter unless he is accompanied by two or three witnesses who are ready to back up the accusation." The italic
the mouth of, in the R.V., is not necessary or indeed justified. There is no ellipsis of
στόματος.
Ἐτὶ δύο ῃ} τριῶν῞ μαρτύρων, "
before two or three witnesses," is good classical Greek.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
{Do} notμὴ(mē)Adverb
Strong's 3361:Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.entertainπαραδέχου(paradechou)Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3858:To receive, accept, acknowledge. From para and dechomai; to accept near, i.e. Admit or delight in.an accusationκατηγορίαν(katēgorian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2724:An accusation, charge. From kategoros; a complaint, i.e. Criminal charge.againstΚατὰ(Kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).an elder,πρεσβυτέρου(presbyterou)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4245:Comparative of presbus; older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian 'presbyter'.exceptἐκτὸς(ektos)Adverb
Strong's 1622:From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides.on [the testimony of]ἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.twoδύο(dyo)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417:Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.threeτριῶν(triōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5140:Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.witnesses.μαρτύρων(martyrōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3144:A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'.
Links
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1 Timothy 5:19 BibleApps.com1 Timothy 5:19 Biblia Paralela1 Timothy 5:19 Chinese Bible1 Timothy 5:19 French Bible1 Timothy 5:19 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 Timothy 5:19 Don't receive an accusation against an elder (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) 
