1 Timothy 5:20

1 Timothy 5:20 “Those who continue in sin”: This demonstrates that the safeguard in the previous verse was not designed to protect unfaithful elders. The expression “continue in sin” either means that the elder is still active in the sin of which he is accused or the guilt of. past sin has clearly been established by the previous witnesses. That is,. sin of which the elder refuses to give up or repent. This context is speaking about. sin that has become public (two or three witnesses) because the elder refuses to acknowledge it or forsake it. “Translates. present participle and the tense naturally suggests that they are living in the practice of sin” (Hiebert p. 103).

1 Timothy 5:20 “Rebuke in the presence of all”: Matthew 18:17. Nothing is lost when sin is exposed (Acts 5:1). This means more than just, “in the presence of all the other elders”, but rather, in the presence of the entire congregation (Matthew 18:17). “A public rebuke in such. case would at once vindicate the church from complicity with the sin, and deter others from falling into it” (Hiebert p. 103). Note, God does believe in the value of punishment as. deterrence. The term “rebuke” has the sense of showing someone his sin and summoning him to repentance.

1 Timothy 5:20 “So that”: Discipline is administered to not only save the elder but also to save others as well.

1 Timothy 5:20 “The rest also will be fearful of sinning”: Compare with Acts 5:11. “People will then have. respect for the church and will search their own lives, when they see that even leaders are not exempt from discipline for sin” (Kent p. 185). Some fear concerning sin, public exposure and its consequences is. healthy thing among Christians.