Free Bible Commentary
“1 Timothy 5:21-25”
Categories: 1 Timothy“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.”
---End of Scripture verses---
Some quick thoughts:
The laying on of hands was a sign of approval and endorsement (Acts 13:3). If we “lay hands upon anyone too hastily” we will “share in the responsibility for their sins” if they prove to be deceitful and unscrupulous over the course of time (verse 22). Paul may have written this in regard to the appointment of elders. If so, this would make sense because a man should never be rushed into such an important position without first being tested and proven.
“Use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments” (verse 23). This statement does not authorize social or moderate drinking of alcohol. If this is fermented wine that Paul is writing about, then it authorizes “a little” wine for medicinal purposes only. One of the qualifications of an elder is that he must not be “given to much wine” (3:3). Much wine is a problem for anyone and condemned by the Bible in several places. A little wine was sometimes useful and necessary in the 1st century.
Another reason to not lay hands on anyone too hastily is “the sins of some men are quite evident” (verse 24). Given enough time, most people will reveal their true heart and expose themselves for who they are at their core. Some people hide their sins very well for a protracted period of time. Not to worry. If they pull the wool over your eyes, they have not escaped the notice of the God who looks into the heart of man and sees all. They will not escape the notice or the judgment of the Lord.
Good deeds work the same way (verse 25). Some people let their lights shine so that all can see their good works in the hopes that some people will be saved on the Judgment Day to the glory of God (Matthew 5:16). The good works of other people are done behind the scenes and go virtually or completely unnoticed by human eyes. Not to worry again. Your good deeds “cannot be concealed” from the Lord with whom you have to do. He sees. He approves. He rewards.
Please read 1 Timothy 6:1-2 for tomorrow.
We would love to have you come worship God with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ.
We assemble at 3741 Taylorsville Road in Louisville Kentucky.
9:30 AM Bible classes for all ages. 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM worship services.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
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