1Timothy 5:21-25 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
‘Charge’ [Greek: diamarturomai] to call solemnly to witness. Translated as “charge” (5:21; 2Tim. 2:14; 4:1); “witness” (Acts 20:23); and as “testify” (Luke 16:28; Acts 2:40; 8:25; 10:42; 18:5; 20:21, 24; 23:11; 28:23; 1Thess. 4:6; Heb. 2:6).
‘Before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Timothy charged before: God – one person of the Trinity; Jesus Christ – another separate and distinct person of the Trinity; and the elect angels – the ones who remained true when over one-third of God’s angels rebelled together with Lucifer (Rev. 12:4, 7-12; Isa. 14:12-14). The word “elect” proves some angels are chosen and others are not, the reason being that some rebelled and others did not.
‘That thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.’ Six commands to Timothy: Observe these things without partiality (5:21). Observe them without doing anything by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man. Do not hastily ordain any man to the ministry. Let each one be tested and proved faithful before the laying on of hands (4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; Heb. 6:1-2). Do not partake of the sins of others or be responsible for their haste in ordaining unqualified men to the ministry (5:22). Keep yourself pure (5:22). The Greek word hagnos, here indicates purity from the fault of ordaining unfit men to the ministry (5:24). Congregations in all ages has suffered from this practice. Translated pure (5:22; Php. 4:8; Jas. 3:17; 1Jn. 3:3); clear (2Cor. 7:11); and chaste (2Cor. 11:2; Tit. 2:5; 1Pet. 3:2).
To be continued…
Living the Word 