“Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19).
1 Timothy 5:19 continues with some valuable counsel regarding accusations that are brought against someone who serves in a leadership capacity. This important topic will occupy the focus of our next few studies.
We can begin by observing that the “two or three witness” standard mentioned here has its origin in the Old Testament Law…
“Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness” (Deuteronomy 17:6).
“One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established” (Deuteronomy 19:15).
“Whoever kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the testimony of witnesses; but one witness is not sufficient testimony against a person for the death penalty” (Numbers 35:30).
This principle serves to remind us that those who hold positions of authority are held to the same standards as others. We can turn once again to the Old Testament Law for additional insight into this fundamental concept: “You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:15).
So we must verify an accusation against someone who holds a leadership position with two or three other witnesses just like anyone else. The difference is that a person who holds an official position of power, authority, and responsibility is someone who faces greater accountability. You see, the following verse will go on to tell us that a person in a visible position of leadership is subject to a visible rebuke for sinful behavior.
But before we discuss that passage, we should also recognize that this principle offers protection for church leaders as well. One source offers an explanation that we will explore more fully in our next study…
“Church leaders are not exempt from sin, faults, and mistakes. But they are often criticized for the wrong reasons—minor imperfections, failure to meet someone’s expectations, personality clashes. Thus, Paul said that accusations should not even be heard unless two or three witnesses confirm them. Sometimes church leaders should be confronted about their behavior, and sometimes they should be rebuked. But all rebuking must be done fairly and lovingly and for the purpose of restoration.” (1)
(1) Life Application Study Bible [1 Timothy 5:19-21] Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.