Lay hands hastily on no one. Don’t be a participant in other people’s sins. Keep yourself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22 WEB
This scripture encouraging his friend to “keep yourself pure” is a portion of Paul’s first epistle to Timothy that deals with honoring the members of the church. In the opening of the chapter, Paul directs church members to be gentle in correcting older men. He encourages the church to treat younger men like brothers. A large part of the text involves the treatment and support of widows and specific advice for various situations of widows. Paul discusses the issue of proper discipline of church leaders.
In the latter half of the chapter, Paul asserts that the elders who serve the church are well worthy of double honor. He places particular emphasis on those that preach and teach and declares that they are “worth their wages.” This brings to mind the words from Luke 10:7 for traveling apostles that states, “Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don’t go from house to house. WEB”
Decently and In Order
For the members of the church to be effective, order is essential. As we read in 1 Corinthians 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order. KJV” And so, Paul gives specific directions for how to deal with common issues in the house of God. To avoid troublemakers and petty rivalries, he warns the church not to entertain accusations unless they arise from two or more witnesses. In addition, he instructs the church to avoid favoritism and to reprove sinners publicly as a warning to others.
Laying on of hands most likely refers to the selection of church leaders and not healing. In this, Paul discourages being reckless in the placement of leadership. He wants the selection of leaders to be thoughtful and deliberate, without mistake. This protects the church from appointing false teachers to influential positions.
Also, Paul warns the church not to participate in other people’s sins. He encourages them to be pure. This is in line with Paul’s teaching. The reason for this is obvious. To win followers to Christ and keep the church developing in righteousness, the leaders must practice what they preach and love like Jesus.
Paul wants the church to treat everyone with respect. He wants the church to be well ordered. He wants to prioritize the treatment of widows according to need and to demonstrate love by correcting those who still live sinful lives. In short, Paul directs the church to live pure lives of service and obedience to the will of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the early church leaders. Help me to understand their instructions and to keep myself pure. Develop me to be of benefit to you and your cause. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: When I Awake
