What does 1 Timothy 5:22 mean?
In addition to dealing with the removal of elders, Timothy is to be very careful in selecting elders. Haste, in the sense of careless rushing, is often spoken against in Proverbs (Proverbs 14:29; 21:5; 29:20).Apparently, laying on of hands was a common tradition during this era for confirming elders in the local church. It was also a tradition that Timothy had experienced (1 Timothy 4:14), including the hands of Paul (2 Timothy 1:6), likely in Lystra before first traveling with him (Acts 16). This tradition of laying hands on leaders was certainly picked up from the Jewish tradition of setting apart leaders in the Old Testament (such as Moses and Joshua in Numbers 27:18–23).
Timothy is to select elders based on Paul's prior instructions (1 Timothy 3:1–7). He is not to participate in, or even be associated with, the sins of others. Paul likely had the false teachers of Ephesus in mind here, since these men wanted to lead yet were unfit to do so (1 Timothy 1:7). Instead, Timothy was to "keep [himself] pure," a common command given to believers (1 Timothy 1:5; James 1:27).
First Timothy 5:17–25 provides guidelines on how a church should honor elders. It also refers to the proper way to discipline them, if this becomes necessary. Those who devote themselves to serving the church should be supported, meaning paid, so they can fully focus on the needs of the congregation. Accusations should only be taken seriously when there is sufficient evidence. And elders who are found in sin should be publicly rebuked. Paul also warns Timothy not to be too hasty in assigning elders, since some men's sins are hidden and hard to detect.
First Timothy chapter 5 focuses on Timothy's supervision of those within the church. This includes a respectful attitude towards both men and women, young and old. A large portion of the chapter deals with how to care for widows. The theme of Paul's instruction is prioritizing those who are truly in need, and not enabling those who are merely lazy. Timothy is also instructed on how to screen out baseless accusations against an elder, and how to properly discipline them if they are found in sin. With that in mind, Timothy is also warned not to be reckless in who he appoints as an elder.
