A note from our Pastor:

”Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.”

1 Timothy 5:19

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle Paul continues thoughts about care for the ministry but moves away from topics related to financial support. Remember in reading these verses, the Apostle Paul was equipping Timothy not just to be a minister but also to support other congregations and ministers in the region. Thus, these instructions are also preserved for the community of believers today and remain applicable to how the ministry should be treated.

In our study verse this week, the Apostle shifts his focus to how Timothy and others should handle the situation of having charges brought against a minister. Before examining the actual instructions of this verse, it should be noted the inherent but unwritten understanding. The Apostle was indirectly telling Timothy that false accusations, from both within and outside of the community of believers, would be brought against ministers. Those brought from within would largely be driven by jealousy. Those from without might be driven by a variety of factors but with the goal of destruction. This warning to Timothy remains just as true today.

The Apostle knew that many would see Timothy as the ultimate authority in the region amongst the communities of believers. Therefore, the Apostle provides him directly with the instruction not to receive any accusation against a minister unless he could confirm it with a multitude of witnesses. The scriptural concept is to validate a claim by having at least two people confirm the account. That concept is maintained in this instruction.

To be clear, the Apostle did not intend this instruction to give ministers a pass for poor behavior or teaching false doctrine. His opposition to ministers that lead astray the children of God is clear. If Timothy, or others, could confirm the charges against a minister then appropriate action should be taken. However, avoiding giving false information credence provided more stability to the congregation.

We live in a world today where so many concepts, teachings, preferences, and traditions have entered into the church that it is especially important that congregations remember these instructions.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah