Daily Devotions

1 Timothy

1 Timothy 
Day 
Day 83

"Do not receive an accusation against an elder..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:19

PROVISION AND PROTECTION

The apostle Paul was rightly concerned about provision made for those who serve in the full-time ministry. He was also concerned about the protection of these good and faithful servants of God. Hence he advised Timothy how to respond to people who may make allegations against the elders.

“Do not receive an accusation against an elder
except from two or three witnesses.”
1 Timothy 5:19

1. “An accusation against an elder”

a) It is not difficult to lay charges against leaders.
b) People can say all kinds of things against the leaders.
c) Paul himself suffered much from false accusations.
i) His apostleship was questioned.
ii) His teachings were challenged.
iii) Trumped-up charges were made against him though they were baseless.
d) There would always be people who will be supporters when accusations are hurled.

 

2. “Do not receive an accusation against an elder”

a) These leaders had already proven themselves.
b) Their ministries can be badly affected if accusations against them are easily entertained.
c) Timothy was urged to support the elders and their ministries.

 

3. “Except from two or three witnesses”

a) This was an Old Testament practice (Deuteronomy 17:6).
b) These witnesses must of course be checked out.
c) It is not hard to have two or three false witnesses causing great damage to the name and reputation of good elders.

 

4. Valid causes

a) If the elders have gone astray doctrinally.
b) If they are guilty of corruption.
c) If they are spiritually inept.
d) If they abuse the authority entrusted to them.

 

The Church must be carefully protected at all times. One of the main concerns ought to be the well-being of the church, both leaders and members.