1 Timothy 5:21

‘I charge you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.’

This solemn injunction which follows demonstrates how important he sees these instructions to be. He wants all to be aware that these are they who watch over the church from Heaven, as the elders watch over it on earth. This explains why he brings in here the elect angels, who are the equivalent in Heaven to the elders on earth (appointed servants of God). ‘God, Christ Jesus and the elect angels’ thus parallels in Heaven the idea of ‘God, Christ Jesus and the elders’ on earth. By ‘the elect angels’ he may have in mind here those special angels who care for and represent the church before the throne, those whom John in vision calls ‘the twenty four elders’ (Revelation 4:4; Revelation 4:10-11; Revelation 5:8-10). For such a ministry of angels see Hebrews 1:14, and compare 1 Corinthians 11:10; Revelation 1:20; Psalms 91:11-12; Matthew 4:6-7. Paul’s injunction here may, however, be seen as also referring to the whole letter. Compare his reference to a ‘charge’ to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18. Compare 1 Timothy 6:13.

This awareness of the presence of God and Christ Jesus among the believing community was to be a strong inducement to obedient Christian living ( 1Ti 5:4 ; 1 Timothy 6:13; 2 Timothy 2:14; 2 Timothy 4:1; Matthew 18:18-20). It was precisely this awareness of the Lord God walking in the camp which was, in similar circumstances, to motivate the newborn community of Israel to assurance and full obedience (Leviticus 26:16-17; Deuteronomy 23:14). Compare also "the Lord your God, who is among you is a God Who is jealous over you" (Deuteronomy 6:15).

While it certainly refers to what immediately precedes, Paul’s injunction may here, however, be seen as also referring to the whole letter. Compare his reference to a ‘charge’ to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:18, and compare 1 Timothy 6:13.

Timothy is therefore firmly exhorted to ensure that he entertains no prejudice against any, and that he shows no partiality. He must be openly fair in his dealings with all and must ensure that he acts for the good of the whole without having any bias towards one against another, precisely because he does it before God, Christ Jesus and the heavenly eldership. For similar calls to impartiality see Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; James 2:1; 1 Peter 1:17.

Paul Gives Some Personal Injunctions To Timothy About His Own Behaviour, And His Responsibility To Use Discernment Especially With Regard To Appointing Men To God’s Service By The Laying On Of Hands (1 Timothy 5:22-25).

Timothy is now warned against making rash appointments, or appointments without due care, for he is to remember that the laying on of hands represents an identification with the person on whom hands are laid. To lay hands on someone is therefore to take responsibility for that man’s ministry. It is important to look below the surface and ensure the reliability and integrity of the person involved. Similarly he must also keep himself pure, and learn how to look below the surface and use discernment in everything, in the same way as Ephesian water should be mixed with wine before being drunk because of its impurities, so as to avoid its most unpleasant effects. The illustration is an apt one. Natural man is very much like Ephesian water and needs the wine of the new age (John 2:1-10; Isaiah 55:1-3) and the wine of the Spirit in order to make him palatable. It is in fact like some sins and some good works. Sometimes its effects are obvious immediately, at others it takes time to work through, and the after effects may be delayed. In the same way some sins are immediately obvious, while others may only become apparent later. All this must be taken into account, both in making appointments of responsible officials (including widows) and in dealing with people.

Analysis. .

a Lay hands hastily on no man, neither be a partaker of other men’s sins (1 Timothy 5:22 a).

b Keep yourself pure (1 Timothy 5:22 b).

c Do not be a drinker of water any longer, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities (1 Timothy 5:23).

b Some men’s sins are evident, going before to judgment, and some men also they follow after (1 Timothy 5:24).

a In the same way also there are good works which are evident, and such as are otherwise cannot be hid (1 Timothy 5:25).

Note that in ‘a’ discernment in selection of church servants is to be exercised, and in the parallel those who do good works may not be apparent immediately but will be eventually. In ‘b’ Timothy is to keep himself pure, and in the parallel this is in contrast with the fact that some men’s sins are obvious and others take time to discern. Centrally in ‘c’ Timothy has to learn to look below the surface and use discernment, not only personally but with regard to his responsibilities in Ephesus.