1Timothy 5:19 - Protect and Respect

”Against an elder an accusation do no be receiving, except if not upon two or three witnesses."

-Two or three witnesses.  That is the classic God-ordained method for determining matters of circumstantial truth, of determining guilt and innocence throughout the Bible (Deuteronomy 17.6, 19.15; Matthew 18.16; 2Corinthians 13.1; Hebrews 10.28).  This was the standard for the early church, for determining if any brother or sister was involved in any undue impurity or immorality (not that there is any such thing as “due” immorality).  The point is - this standard is to be applied towards elders as well.  Two or three witnesses.

-But why does Paul even need to go here?  Are elders somehow more susceptible to accusation or criticism perhaps?  Do those who exercise spiritual authority and leadership over God’s people have more of a reputation on the line when it comes to integrity and moral standards in their lives and work?  You betchya.  Just look at Moses.  If something went wrong, it was almost always his fault.  There were constantly others who disrespected him and thought they could possibly do better.  So it is with those who serve as leaders in the church today.  No doubt the father-of-lies himself is constantly on the prowl for ways that he can somehow hinder and destroy the work of God by spinning up false accusations against leaders in the church.  Disrespect.  Grumbling and complaining and murmuring.  Leaders are always more subject to unfair criticisms and allegations, not to mention gossip, and even a charge-proven-false can damage their reputation and ability to effectively lead the flock.  So we need to protect them.  At least two if not three witnesses, Paul says.  Not that we are ever trying to hide or cover up something untoward - definitely not - but in this area, with those leaders whom God Himself has put in place over His people (let’s not be forgetful of that! - Romans 13.1-2), we ought to proceed with utmost caution.  What leaders - be they elders in the church or even pagan rulers (look at Daniel), are due from God's people, what we should direct towards them, is respect!