WEDNESDAY May 7, 2025

A Fearful Rebuke

Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
1 Timothy 5:19-20

Paul’s instruction here is very important. There are people who, because of jealousy or the dislike of an overseer, will carry out a character assassination attempt. They will try to destroy a person’s life and ministry. So, the Apostle set down a good guideline––the accusation was to be dismissed unless there were two or three witnesses to give validation to an accusation. If there was a valid case, then the person would be rebuked.

However, if someone had anything against an elder in the church, they should go to them first, and then, if there was no repentance, they were to take two or three other people as witnesses to address the issue. This is biblical. In the New Testament, who taught us to handle church offenses this way? None other than Jesus Christ Himself:

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector” (Matthew 18:15-17).

If the person in sin still does not listen and refuses to repent, then the issue is to be taken to the main church council––the board. The sin is to be dealt with, and the person is to be disciplined according to the Scriptures. His sin is also to be exposed before the staff and the board.

It is important to handle these situations with wisdom. The result of handling these situations rightfully is that others serving the Lord will gain a healthy fear of God. To fear God means “to hold Him in awe.” If you truly fear God, then obey His Word.

Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.
~Ecclesiastes 12:13~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!