1 Timothy 5:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers,

NIV: Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers,

NASB: Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers,

CSB: Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,

NLT: Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers.

KJV: Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

NKJV: Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,

Chapter 5 begins a new section focused on how Timothy is to treat different groups of people within the church. Verses 1 and 2 deal with men, addressing both those who are old and those who are young. Timothy is not to "rebuke" or speak harshly to older men, but to treat them as a father. We should note that there are times where Christians are called on to "rebuke" those who teach or practice certain things (1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2). However, in most cases, and especially when dealing with a fellow believer, the best tactic is gentleness and respect. This goes a long way towards improving our impact on non-believers, as well(1 Peter 3:15–16). Treating older men as "fathers," in that culture, was no minor thing: a father was to be treated with respect and honor (Exodus 20:12).

Younger men are to be treated "as brothers." This means considering them as family, not as a club member, employee, or slave. In this verse, Timothy is given advice similar to what Peter told elders of the church: "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2–3). Paul called all male church members "brothers," including slaves (1 Timothy 6:2), reminding the reader of their equality in Christ.

The specific context of this command is from the end of chapter 4: Timothy's role as a teacher and church leader. Paul is not telling Timothy (or us) to treat every man in the church identically to our actual brothers or fathers. Rather, this is the attitude Timothy is to convey as their spiritual leader.

First Timothy 5:1–2 is a brief description of how Timothy, as a church leader, ought to interact with the men and women of his congregation. These commands are brief, but they have powerful implications. These commands are in the context of Timothy's role as a spiritual leader and teacher. Timothy is to treat older men and women as fathers and mothers—with respect and support, not harsh rebuke. Younger men and women are to be treated with fairness and equality, rather than arrogance or lustfulness.

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.

Prior passages explained the burden placed on Timothy and other church leaders. In this chapter, the emphasis is on how Timothy is to treat others in the congregation. A large portion of this refers to prioritizing charity for widows. This passage will more or less complete Paul's specific instructions to Timothy in this letter. The next (final) chapter will build on all of these themes with a command for Timothy to make the most of his spiritual service.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.