1 Timothy – Week 9 – Day 4

READ 

1 Timothy 5:19-20 

19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others. 

Those in leadership can be unfairly criticized by an unhappy person. Paul instructed Timothy to not to take such accusations seriously unless two or three people say the same thing. Those leaders found guilty are to be reprimanded before the entire church body. Some believe this example would apply to other believers as well. The reason for the public reprimand is to serve as a warning to other believers.  

REFLECT 

Does this impress upon you not to take seriously what only one person is saying? Does it also impress upon you how serious it would be to be reprimanded for wrongdoing before the entire church body? 

RESPOND 

The principle of needing more than one witness is seen throughout the Old Testament. Read Deuteronomy 19:15 as one example.