“Them that sin reprove in the sight of all,
that the rest also may be in fear.”
1 Timothy 5:20
Paul's instruction to Timothy is clear. The young evangelist left at Ephesus was to publicly rebuke those who sinned,
being able to recognize it. In the last paragraph of chapter five (17--25), Paul writes of church elders . Paul knew that among
those men sin would occur, as in everyone else. Acts 20 records Paul calling the elders of Ephesus to Miletus. On that occasion Paul
foretold that from among them, some would teach perverse things to draw away disciples after them (verse 30).
Many contemporary church leaders would hesitate at the thought of publicly reproving anyone for anything, even lying.
Many churches are focused on increasing in number, rather than holiness. Reproving anyone for sin, might prompt some
to leave. That concern would overlook the words of both Paul and John. See 1 Corinthians 11:18-19 and 1 John 2:19 .
The Lord has called all who claim his son to holiness . “Having therefore these promises beloved, let us cleanse ourselves
from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” - 2 Corinthians 7:1
After the instruction for public reproof, Paul charges Timothy to observe these things without preference, doing nothing
through partiality (verse 21). Paul knew the flesh of everyone is inclined to show partiality to some, on some occasions.
In James chapter two, verses one through four James warns against showing partiality based upon wealth. Going back
further, early in the Jerusalem church partiality was shown in the disbursing of benevolence, Acts 6:1, and provision was
made to correct that. Disciples learn to imitate God by not showing respect of persons. See Acts 10:34, Galatians 2:6 .
Paul continues in verse 22: “Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.”
Laying hands on, is likely a reference to ordaining to serve, a practice that has come down thru the centuries. Being a
partaker of other men's sins may be by doing nothing to reprove known sin; we might say, “turning a blind eye”, acting as
if we did not see it. Our flesh is not only inclined to partiality, but indifference and fear as well. It is always easier to do
nothing, than to do what is right. Adam said nothing when Satan tempted Eve.
Paul concludes this section by declaring: “Some men's sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also
they follow after. In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.”
-verses 24-25 These words of Paul echo the teaching of Jesus, his most frequently recorded teaching. Matthew, Mark
and Luke record four different occasions where Jesus taught: there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.
See Matthew 10:26, Mark 4:22, Luke 8:17 and Luke 12:2.
We have all fallen short of Paul's instructions to Timothy. It is always easier not to reprove sin, to show preference, to
remain silent. All of these are shortsighted of a day of when hidden things will be revealed, just as Jesus said. It is pride
that keeps us from confessing our sins to receive the forgiveness earned by the cross. Even among disciples, the subtlety
of pride is relentless . Jesus humbled himself to bear the shame of our sins. If we refuse to humble ourselves,
how can we be like him?
“Today, if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” – Hebrews 4:7