1Ti 5:1 | Clarke | STEP | Rules to be observed in giving reproofs to the old and to the young, , . Directions concerning widows, . Of elders that rule well, , . How to proceed against elders when accused, and against notorious offenders, . Directions concerning imposition of hands, . Concerning Timothy's health, . Reasons why no person should be hastily appointed to sacred offices, , . Verse 1 Rebuke not an elder - That is, an elderly person; for the word πρεσβυτερος is here taken in its natural sense, and signifies one advanced in years. At , it is taken in what may be termed its ecclesiastical meaning, and signifies, an officer in the Church, what we commonly call a presbyter or bishop; for sometimes these terms were confounded. There are but few cases in which it at all becomes a young man to reprove an old man, and especially one who is a father in the Church. If such a one does wrong, or gets out of the way, he should be entreated as a father, with great caution and respect. To this at least his age entitles him. The word επιπληξῃς signifies, do not smite; i.e. do not treat them harshly, nor with magisterial austerity. The younger men as brethren - Showing humility, and arrogating nothing to thyself on account of thy office. Feel for them as thou oughtest to feel for thy own brethren.

1 Timothy 5:1

Introduction

Rules to be observed in giving reproofs to the old and to the young, 1Tim 5:1, 1Tim 5:2. Directions concerning widows, 1Tim 5:3-16. Of elders that rule well, 1Tim 5:17, 1Tim 5:18. How to proceed against elders when accused, and against notorious offenders, 1Tim 5:10-21. Directions concerning imposition of hands, 1Tim 5:22. Concerning Timothy's health, 1Tim 5:23. Reasons why no person should be hastily appointed to sacred offices, 1Tim 5:24, 1Tim 5:25.

Verse 1

Rebuke not an elder - That is, an elderly person; for the word πρεσβυτερος is here taken in its natural sense, and signifies one advanced in years. At 1Tim 5:17, it is taken in what may be termed its ecclesiastical meaning, and signifies, an officer in the Church, what we commonly call a presbyter or bishop; for sometimes these terms were confounded. There are but few cases in which it at all becomes a young man to reprove an old man, and especially one who is a father in the Church. If such a one does wrong, or gets out of the way, he should be entreated as a father, with great caution and respect. To this at least his age entitles him. The word επιπληξῃς signifies, do not smite; i.e. do not treat them harshly, nor with magisterial austerity.

The younger men as brethren - Showing humility, and arrogating nothing to thyself on account of thy office. Feel for them as thou oughtest to feel for thy own brethren.