“Some people’s sins are obvious, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others surface later. Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden” (1 Timothy 5:24-25 HCSB)
The Biblical book of Revelation contains two chapters that consist entirely of messages from Jesus to seven churches that were active during the New Testament era. However, that portion of Scripture is more than just a series of personal letters; it also contains many important truths for those who are willing to examine them closely.
The ancient church of Ephesus was the first church to receive such a letter. Following a brief introduction, Jesus began His message with a simple but important statement: “I know all the things you do…” (Revelation 2:3 NLT). Although this letter was addressed to a church that existed centuries ago, we can also say that this statement is applicable to everyone. In other words, Jesus can say, “I know all the things you do” to every human being who has ever lived.
This may represent a troubling or comforting thought depending on the individual. For instance, those who seek to hide their misconduct or believe they can escape the consequences of their actions should be especially concerned by this message. The reality is that Jesus has seen every secret thought, every hidden motive, and everything we’ve ever done- and He alone can say, “I know all the things you do.“
On the other hand, let’s consider a scenario where someone chose to follow a God-honoring path in the midst of pressure to conform to a different course of action. Or perhaps there was a time when that person made a Biblically appropriate choice even though no one seemed to notice or care. In those instances, it’s easy to assume that such choices go undetected and unappreciated by others.
Nevertheless, the passage of Scripture given to us here in 1 Timothy 5:24-25 serves to assure us that Someone is watching and Someone does care. No matter what the situation, Jesus knows all the things we do- and good works that are not obvious cannot remain hidden. In the words of one commentator…
“There are some whose good deeds are plain for all to see, and who have already won the praise and thanks and congratulations of men. There are some whose good deeds have never been noticed, never appreciated, never thanked, never praised, never valued as they ought to have been. They need not feel either disappointed or embittered. God knows the good deed also, and he will repay, for he is never in any man’s debt.” (1)
(1) Barclay, William. “Commentary on 1 Timothy 5:24-25”. “William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible”.