1Tim 5:17-25

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Church elders and Timothy himself (1Tim 5:17-25)

The church members should recognize the valuable service that the elders give and should reward them generously (1Tim 5:17-18).

Any accusation of wrongdoing against elders must be supported by witnesses. If they are shown to be guilty, they should be rebuked publicly, since their position as leaders in the church makes their sin the more serious (1Tim 5:19-20).

Timothy is reminded not to show favouritism nor to act hastily in appointing people to positions of leadership in the church. Others will doubt his own purity if he appoints a person who is later shown to be a wrongdoer (1Tim 5:21-22).

The reminder to Timothy to keep himself pure does not mean he must no longer drink wine, for if he takes it in reasonable amounts it may help him enjoy better health (1Tim 5:23).

But (to return to the matter of appointing officers in the church) he must remember that not all the good or all the bad in a person can be seen at first. Sooner or later, however, it will become obvious. Therefore, it is wise not to accept or reject anyone too hastily (1Tim 5:24-25).