(1) 5:22-5:25 is a continuation of the charge against overseers from v.19. In v.20 we do not who is the one who sin. It can be the overseers or the one who accuses them. In v.22-25 the assumption is that the overseers actually sinned. How can this be prevented in the future?
5:22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily and so identify with the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
(BKC) One way to avoid painful situations involving the disciplining of an elder is to be careful about who is ordained in the first place.
(BKC) One way to avoid painful situations involving the disciplining of an elder is to be careful about who is ordained in the first place.
Repeated words: hastily v.22, sins... are obvious v.24a, others...how up later v.24b, the one that are not [the opposite of good works] cannot remain hidden v.25.
(BKC) Thus Paul emphasized the difficulties inherent in choosing qualified candidates for the ordination. Hasty, superficial assessments, whether positive or negative, are sometimes inaccurate, leading to the enlistment of unqualified men or the overlooking of those whose fine qualities are less obvious. With time, however, a man’s true colors will emerge to an astute observer. Thus the perceptive observations of verses 24–25 are designed to underline the warning of verse 22: do not rush to ordain someone.
Reflection: 3CW has now 3 elders candidates. Let us pray for them and let us not do this in haste.
(2) 5:22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily and so identify with the sins of others.
identify with the sins of others-(BDAG) To share, participate in the deeds of others means to be equally responsible for them e.g. 2 John 11 because the person who gives him a greeting shares in his evil deeds (NET) Giving a public greeting could be understood by an onlooker to suggest agreement with the (false) teaching of the opponents and is thus prohibited by John.
In other words when Timothy ordained the unqualified overseers he was helping their ministry. Timothy was responsible for this mistake.
Reflection: Are we helping anyone or encouraging sinning? Are we participating in any activity that is actually against God?
(3) 6:2 But those who have believing masters must not show them less respect because they are brothers. Instead they are to serve all the more, because those who benefit from their service are believers and dearly loved.
(BKC) Christian slaves whose masters are also believers should redouble rather than reduce their service. This should stem purely from the realization that the one who is receiving the benefits is a beloved brother or sister in Christ.
Reflection: When both the boss and the servant are brothers/sisters. The servant may think that their boss is their buddy and no need to give them the respect. That is not what Paul said here. Do we fail to give respect to brothers/sisters in the church just because we are really good friends to each other?
Audrey
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