I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
Read it in contextElders and Timothy's judgment
Start reading at 1 Timothy 5:17 (1 Timothy 5:17 to 1 Timothy 5:25).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Directions about support, accusations, correction, and laying on hands require careful judgment without prejudice or haste.
5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
5:18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
5:19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
5:20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
5:21I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
5:22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
5:23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
5:24Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
5:25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 4:1–6:21): Paul instructs Timothy in teaching and caring for the congregation, including its older and younger members, widows, elders, servants, and wealthy members. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Elders and Timothy's judgment. Read 1 Timothy 5:17 through 1 Timothy 5:25 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Directions about support, accusations, correction, and laying on hands require careful judgment without prejudice or haste. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter recalls Paul's departure into Macedonia and Timothy's charge at Ephesus. It does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Timothy's assignment is associated with Ephesus. Some instructions concern assemblies and households rather than a single scene. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Elders and Timothy's judgment (1 Timothy 5:17 to 1 Timothy 5:25).
Start reading at 1 Timothy 5:17. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's saving work and, in the KJV, confesses God manifested in the flesh. Read the household and ministry instructions in relation to the truth the church is charged to uphold. See 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Guard sound teaching, practice godliness, and care responsibly for the congregation and vulnerable people. Keep the addressed situations visible when applying instructions about leaders and households. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholePaul distinguishes family responsibilities from the church's continuing support, placing provision for one's household within faithful conduct.
Connection to the wholeDirections about support, accusations, correction, and laying on hands require careful judgment without prejudice or haste.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.