1 Timothy 5:21 Commentary and Bible Study

‘I charge thee’, not ‘I solemnly testify’ as the word can mean (Hendriksen). The context demands that Timothy is being bound by Paul to carry out a charge – to ‘observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.’ The charge is made in the most solemn way. Timothy is to receive this charge before God, that is, with God as witness that he is to do these things. He is the God of truth, who in his own judgments never shows partiality (Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; 1 Peter 1:17). He is high above all, and fears no one, but makes judgements according to perfect truth. Neither should his ministers, for when they judge, they do so in the place of God. It is a charge before the Lord Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, who has laid down his life for those who have nothing to commend them, but who are saved by grace alone. None of them can claim to be anything of consequence in his sight, and when they fall he corrects them without partiality. It is a charge before the elect angels, those angels who were chosen by God from eternity past, and did not fall with Satan in his rebellion. The angels too owe God eternal praise and thanks for choosing them to be faithful. They witness all that takes place in the church, as Paul implies also in 1 Corinthians 11:10.God is very strict with the elders who sin because they are bearers of the word and the word is precious. It must be kept pure. The word must be defended. The word brings us salvation; it brings us conviction; it brings us comfort and the promises of God; it lifts us up. The word is everything.This charge applies not only to Timothy, but to all pastors, for it is they who take the primary responsibility within a local church for church discipline. They do not act alone, but they take they are charged with ensuring that all things are done according to apostolic practice. Timothy was not unique in that respect.Why are such strong words used? Because of the pressure that Timothy may come under to do otherwise. That pressure will arise from outside him and from within him. If he has close friends among the other leaders – and where is he more likely to have such friendships – then if there is sin in the case of one of them, he must act the part of a true judge (Exodus 23:2; Deuteronomy 16:19; Leviticus 19:15) and not show partiality. His allegiance is to Christ first of all, and nothing else can possibly come before that. If there is a contest between Christ’s interests, and the interests of a mere man, then Christ prevails. Timothy was be ready to do hard things, even though he normally conducts himself with gentleness. He must not fear any man.