A note from our Pastor:

”Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;”

1 Timothy 5:1

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

This week in our study of 1st Timothy we move to the 5th chapter. Much of the letter from the Apostle Paul to Timothy up to this point has been warnings and admonitions for his role as a minister in a public sense. Now this chapter is going to focus on how he interacts with individual members of the congregation and how he maintains relationships with those under his care.

First, for the sake of clarity and understanding the term “elder” in this verse is not referring to the office of a minister but rather describing an individual according to their age. In other words, the Apostle is instructing Timothy how to deal with an older male member of his congregation. The unwritten understanding in this verse is that the older male members had habits and practices that did not align with Timothy’s teachings but they were stubborn about changing their ways and views.

The core instruction from the Apostle to Timothy is to not rebuke them publicly. To do so would only increase their desire to hold on to their practices and beliefs and would make them more resistant to Timothy and his teachings. Were these men wrong to hold onto their incorrect ways and views? Absolutely. The Apostle is not condoning them, but rather counseling Timothy on the best way to instruct them.

The second group of men this verse addresses is those younger than Timothy or similar in age. While the Apostle tells Timothy to treat the older men as fathers, with respect and not rebuking, he should treat the younger ones as brothers. With the younger male members he should challenge their incorrect beliefs but do so with tremendous love and due respect. The key with the younger men was not to be condescending but rather to allow them to answer questions and reach their own conclusions.

The guidance the Apostle gives Timothy requires great patience and a thick skin. Both of these groups, the older and younger men, were likely to be resistant but publicly and privately to Timothy’s teachings. The ultimate point the Apostle is giving Timothy is to hold to the truth, but also be kind in his interpersonal interactions with those who were not yet changing their ways.

This same instruction is excellent advice for any minister in slowly working with the congregation to walk in spirit and in truth.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah