5:19 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
5:19 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
We learn from this that no Christian can accuse another of blatantly sinning against God's word unless there are two or three witnesses to prove it.
This rule applies for every Christian, not only the ruling elder referred to here (CP De 19:15; Mt 18:15-17; 2Cor 13:1-2).
The word witnesses denote those who can state categorically what they have personally seen, or heard, or know. They must have first-hand knowledge of what occurred. It cannot be hearsay - they cannot just be pedlars of gossip or tale-bearers (CP Ex 23:1; Lev 19:16; Psa 140:11; Pr 16:28; 17:9, 26:20).
God's purpose for this is to ensure that no one can be falsely accused or judged on the strength of a false accusation (CP Ex 20:16, 23:1; De 19:15-20; Psa 50:19-20; 101:5; Pr 10:18, 11:9).
God laid down the requirement for two or three witnesses in order for greater accuracy and objectivity to be gained when judging the matter, and a judgment can never be made on the basis of hearsay (gossip), or on the testimony of only one witness (CP De 17:2-6).