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19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.

21 I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.

22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader.[a] Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

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Footnotes

  1. 5:22 Greek about the laying on of hands.

19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses.[a] 20 Those guilty of sin[b] must be rebuked[c] before all,[d] as a warning to the rest.[e] 21 Before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, I solemnly charge you to carry out these commands without prejudice or favoritism of any kind.[f] 22 Do not lay hands on anyone[g] hastily and so identify with the sins of others.[h] Keep yourself pure.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 5:19 sn An allusion to Deut 17:6; 19:15.
  2. 1 Timothy 5:20 sn As a continuation of v. 19, this refers to elders who sin, not to sinning believers more generally.
  3. 1 Timothy 5:20 tn Or “censured.” The Greek word implies exposing someone’s sin in order to bring correction.
  4. 1 Timothy 5:20 tn “Before all” probably refers to the whole congregation, not just all the elders; “the rest” is more likely to denote the remaining elders.
  5. 1 Timothy 5:20 tn Grk “that the rest may have fear.”
  6. 1 Timothy 5:21 tn Grk “doing nothing according to partiality.”
  7. 1 Timothy 5:22 tn In context “laying hands on anyone” refers to ordination or official installation of someone as an elder.
  8. 1 Timothy 5:22 tn Grk “and do not share in the sins of others.”