What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 5:20? But those “Those” points back to the elders Paul has been discussing (1 Timothy 5:17-19). The phrase makes clear that no one in church leadership is exempt from accountability. Scripture consistently holds leaders to a higher standard—compare James 3:1, where teachers “will incur a stricter judgment,” and Ezekiel 34:2-10, where God confronts shepherds who fail the flock. By using the word “but,” Paul contrasts the honor due faithful elders with the necessary correction for unfaithful ones. Who persist in sin The focus is not on an isolated stumble but on ongoing, unrepentant behavior. Jesus outlined a process for dealing with sin that begins privately (Matthew 18:15-17); if a leader refuses repeated correction and still “persists,” Paul says the matter can’t stay hidden. Galatians 6:1 urges believers to restore the sinning brother “in a spirit of gentleness,” yet it also warns them to watch themselves. Persistence shows hardness of heart (Hebrews 3:13), and love refuses to let such hardness destroy a soul or harm a congregation. Should be rebuked A rebuke is a clear, direct confrontation that names the sin and calls for repentance. Titus 1:13 records Paul instructing Titus, “Rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.” Likewise, 2 Timothy 4:2 commands, “Preach the word… reprove, rebuke, and encourage.” A biblical rebuke is not vindictive; its goal is restoration, truth, and protection of the flock (Proverbs 27:5, “Better an open rebuke than hidden love”). In front of everyone Public sin—especially by leaders—requires public correction so the church sees that holiness matters. Acts 5:1-11 recounts Ananias and Sapphira being exposed before the assembly; the result was “great fear came upon the whole church.” Deuteronomy 19:20 applies the same principle to Old-Testament Israel: public justice causes “the rest to hear and fear.” When done biblically, public rebuke teaches transparency and upholds God’s honor among His people. So that the others Paul’s concern extends beyond the offending elder to the watching body. Leaders’ actions ripple outward (1 Corinthians 12:26). When sin is decisively addressed, “the others”—both current leaders and future ones—learn how seriously God views holiness (1 Corinthians 10:11). Will stand in fear of sin The desired fruit is a healthy, reverent fear, not a paralyzing dread. Proverbs 14:27 calls the fear of the Lord “a fountain of life.” After God judged Ananias and Sapphira, “great fear” safeguarded the early church from casual hypocrisy (Acts 5:11). Proper fear leads believers to cling to grace, walk in humility, and guard against compromise (1 Peter 1:17). summary 1 Timothy 5:20 commands the church to confront unrepentant leaders openly. Persistent sin, when left unchecked, damages souls and discredits the gospel. Loving, public rebuke protects the flock, warns others, and reinforces a wholesome fear of sin. By obeying this verse, believers honor God’s holiness, sustain the church’s witness, and extend grace that restores fallen leaders who truly repent. |
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