1 Timothy 5:1 - Exposition

Exhort for intreat , A.V.; and omitted. Rebuke not ( μὴ ἐπιπλήξης ); only here in the New Testament for the more usual ἐπιτιμάω ( 2 Timothy 4:2 , and frequently in the Gospels) or ἐλέγχω , as Titus 1:13 ; Titus 2:15 ; Revelation 3:19 , and elsewhere. In classical Greek it expresses a sharp castigation with words. Compare the "patruae verbera linguae" (Hor., 'Od.,' 3. Revelation 12:3 ). It answers to the Latin objurgo . An elder ( πρεσβυτέρῳ ). The context shows that the meaning is not a "presbyter," but "an old man." The precept has relation to Timothy's youth ( 1 Timothy 4:12 ). See the same order in respect to the persons to be admonished ( Titus 2:1-6 , where, however, we have the forms πρεσβύτας and πρεσβύτιδας with νέας and νεωτέρους ). The direction is an instance of that admirable propriety of conduct, based upon a true charity, which vital Christianity produces. A true Christian never forgets what is due to others, never "behaves himself unseemly." Exhort ( παρακάλει ); certainly a much better rendering than intreat in the A.V. The younger men. This and the other accusatives in this and the following verse are governed by παρακάλει ; the prohibitive μὴ ἐπιπλήξῃς Is con- lined to the πρεσβυτέροι . As brethren. This phrase shows that Timothy was still a young man himself. Observe, too, how even m reproving the sense of love is to be main- mined. The members of the Church over which he rules are either fathers and mothers, or brothers and sisters, or, it may be added, as his own children, to the faithful pastor.