What other scriptures support the practice of public rebuke for sin? Anchor Verse: 1 Timothy 5:20 “But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear.” Jesus Models and Commands Open Correction • Matthew 18:17 — “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” • Luke 17:3 — “If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” • Revelation 3:19 — “Those I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be earnest and repent.” (The risen Christ addresses entire congregations publicly, not just individuals.) Public Rebukes in the Book of Acts • Acts 5:1-11 — Peter confronts Ananias and Sapphira before the gathered believers; “great fear came upon the whole church.” • Acts 8:20-23 — Peter rebukes Simon the sorcerer in the sight of others for trying to buy the power of God. • Acts 13:9-11 — Paul, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” publicly calls Elymas “a son of the devil,” and the magician is struck blind. Paul’s Letters: Instruction and Examples • Galatians 2:11-14 — Paul opposes Peter “to his face” before the assembly when Peter’s conduct threatens the gospel. • 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 — The immoral man is delivered “to Satan” in the presence of the church, that the congregation might remain pure. • 2 Corinthians 13:2 — “I warned those who sinned before… that when I come again I will not spare anyone.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 — “Take note of anyone who does not obey our instruction… do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.” • Romans 16:17 — “Watch out for those who create divisions… turn away from them.” (A corporate response that exposes wrongdoers.) Pastoral Epistles: Ongoing Mandate to Leaders • Titus 1:13 — “Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith.” • Titus 2:15 — “Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” • 1 Timothy 1:20 — Hymenaeus and Alexander are named and handed over to Satan “so that they may learn not to blaspheme.” Old Testament Foundations • Leviticus 19:17 — “You must not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt on account of him.” • Proverbs 27:5 — “Better an open rebuke than hidden love.” • Proverbs 28:23 — “He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.” • Nehemiah 13:25 — Nehemiah publicly contends with those who intermarried, calling the community to covenant faithfulness. Purposes Behind Public Rebuke Highlighted in These Texts • Protects the purity of the church (1 Corinthians 5:6-7; Acts 5:11). • Deters others from following the same sin (1 Timothy 5:20; Deuteronomy 17:13 principle). • Calls the sinner to repentance for restoration (Luke 17:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). • Upholds the honor of Christ’s name before the watching world (Galatians 2:14; Acts 13:12). Key Takeaway From Moses to the early church, Scripture consistently shows that when private appeals fail—or when the sin endangers the whole body—public rebuke is both commanded and practiced. Handled in humility and love, it safeguards Christ’s flock, warns the wavering, and invites the sinner to repent and be fully restored. |
    |