1 Timothy 5:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.

NIV: But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.

NASB: Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.

CSB: Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will be afraid.

NLT: Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.

KJV: Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

NKJV: Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

This verse builds upon Paul's comments in verse 19, as part of a larger passage related to elders. According to the prior verse, only accusations which are accompanied by two or more witnesses should be taken seriously. This is how frivolous or predatory accusations are meant to be weeded out.

However, Paul also realizes that it is possible for an elder to stray and be in need of correction. The reference to "persistence" in sin means someone with ongoing sin, or consistent accusations, rather than a one-time concern. This is still in the context of an accusation made by two or three people. If an elder is clearly in sin and persisting in it, Paul instructs Timothy to "rebuke them in the presence of all." This appears to indicate public notification within a church gathering. At this point, the process for dealing with sin with elders is similar to that of individuals as seen in Matthew 18:17.

Paul's reason for teaching this was "that the rest may stand in fear." The "rest" refers here to elders specifically, but certainly would have the same general effect on the entire congregation. To "stand" means to remain or continue, in this case meaning to remain in "fear."

As with other mentions of "fear" in the Bible, this has to be carefully understood. The Bible speaks of fearing God (Ecclesiastes 5:7), but also that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). In the first context, "fear" speaks of reverence or respect. This is what Paul has in mind in verse 20 as well. The role involves both respect and responsibility, and should not be taken lightly by either the elder or the congregation.

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.

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.