1 Timothy 5:19

KJV

Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

KJV (with Strong's)

Against {G2596} an elder {G4245} receive {G3858} not {G3361} an accusation {G2724}, but {G1508}{G1622} before {G1909} two {G1417} or {G2228} three {G5140} witnesses {G3144}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Never listen to any accusation against a leader unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

American Standard Version

Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 5:19 provides crucial instructions for the church regarding the handling of accusations against elders, establishing a principle of due process that protects respected leaders from unsubstantiated claims while ensuring legitimate charges are investigated with integrity. This verse underscores the importance of fairness, the pursuit of truth, and the maintenance of order and trust within the Christian community, safeguarding both the reputation of those in leadership and the overall witness of the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive practical instructions to Timothy concerning the organization and conduct of the church in Ephesus. Chapter 5 specifically addresses how Timothy should interact with various demographics within the congregation, including older men and women, younger individuals, and particularly widows and elders. Immediately preceding [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Instructions on Accusations Against Elders"), Paul outlines the honor and financial support due to elders who "rule well" and "labor in preaching and teaching" ([1 Timothy 5:17-18](/1_timothy/5-17-18 "1 Timothy 5:17-18 - Honor Due to Elders")). The transition to addressing accusations against elders in verse 19 is logical and necessary; if elders are to be highly esteemed and supported, they must also be protected from frivolous or malicious charges that could undermine their ministry and the church's stability. This instruction ensures that the honor bestowed upon them is not easily tarnished by unverified claims.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, and particularly within Jewish legal tradition, reputation was paramount, and public accusations could be devastating, often without recourse if not handled properly. The early Christian church, as a nascent community, faced internal and external pressures, including the potential for false teachers, personal vendettas, and slander. Elders (_presbyteroi_) were vital leaders, often serving as spiritual guides, teachers, and administrators. Their authority and moral standing were essential for the church's health and growth. The principle of requiring multiple witnesses for serious charges was deeply rooted in Old Testament law, as seen in [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Law of Witnesses"), which mandated "two or three witnesses" to establish a matter. This legal precedent was not merely a Jewish custom but a divinely ordained standard for justice, adopted and reinforced in the New Testament for matters of church discipline and judicial process, as even Jesus Himself taught in [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - Jesus' Teaching on Witnesses").
* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Handling Accusations Against Elders") contributes significantly to several major themes within 1 Timothy and the broader Pauline epistles. One prominent theme is **Church Governance and Order**, as Paul consistently provides guidelines for the proper functioning and leadership of the Christian community. Closely related is the theme of **Accountability and Justice**, emphasizing that while leaders deserve honor, they are not above scrutiny, but such scrutiny must be conducted justly. The verse also highlights the **Protection of Leadership**, acknowledging the vulnerability of those in authority to baseless attacks and the need to safeguard their ministry for the good of the church. Finally, it reinforces the overarching theme of **Truth and Integrity**, ensuring that the church operates on principles of verified facts rather than hearsay, thereby maintaining its internal purity and external witness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **elder (Greek, _presbýteros_):** This term, derived from a comparative form meaning "older" or "senior," refers specifically to a mature, experienced leader within the early Christian church. These individuals were appointed to positions of spiritual oversight, teaching, and governance, serving as "presbyters." The instruction in [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Accusations Against Elders") thus pertains to those holding official, recognized leadership roles within the congregation, highlighting the particular gravity of accusations leveled against them due to their spiritual authority and public trust.
* **accusation (Greek, _katēgoría_):** This word denotes a formal "complaint" or "criminal charge." It implies a serious, often public, allegation that carries significant weight and potential consequences for the accused. Paul's use of this term indicates that the verse is not referring to minor grievances or casual gossip, but to substantial charges that could lead to the removal of an elder from ministry or severe damage to their reputation. The context suggests these are charges of moral or doctrinal failing.
* **witnesses (Greek, _mártys_):** This term refers to an individual who provides testimony, either judicially (in a court-like setting) or figuratively (bearing witness to a truth). In the context of [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - The Role of Witnesses"), it specifically denotes individuals who can corroborate a claim with direct, firsthand knowledge. The requirement of "two or three witnesses" is a direct echo of Old Testament legal principles, emphasizing the need for multiple, independent testimonies to validate a serious charge, thereby preventing false accusations and ensuring the veracity of the claim.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Against an elder receive not an accusation":** This clause serves as a strong prohibition against the casual or uncritical acceptance of charges leveled against church leaders. It implies that accusations against elders should not be entertained or acted upon without careful discernment. The verb "receive" (G3858, _paradéchomai_) suggests a welcoming or accepting of the accusation into consideration. Paul is not saying elders are above reproach, but that they are to be protected from unsubstantiated or malicious claims that could easily derail their ministry and sow discord within the church. This instruction highlights the vulnerability of leaders to slander and the importance of safeguarding their reputation.
* **"but before two or three witnesses":** This phrase introduces the crucial condition under which an accusation against an elder *may* be received. The conjunction "but" (G1508, _ei mḗ_ and G1622, _ektós_) signals an exception to the general rule of not receiving an accusation. The requirement of "two or three witnesses" is a direct appeal to established biblical legal principles found in [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Law of Witnesses"), [Numbers 35:30](/numbers/35-30 "Numbers 35:30 - Requirement of Multiple Witnesses"), and reiterated by Jesus in [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - Witnesses in Church Discipline"). This condition ensures that any serious charge is not based on mere hearsay, personal vendetta, or a single, potentially unreliable testimony, but is corroborated by multiple, independent sources, thereby establishing a high bar for due process and justice.

#### Literary Devices
1 Timothy 5:19 primarily employs **Legal Language** and **Principle-Based Instruction**. The terms "accusation" and "witnesses" are inherently juridical, drawing on established legal frameworks from both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts to govern internal church matters. The verse functions as a clear **Apophthegm** or maxim, delivering a concise, authoritative rule. There is also a strong element of **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the immediate reception of an accusation ("receive not") with the necessary condition for its consideration ("but before two or three witnesses"), thereby highlighting the specific procedural requirement. Furthermore, the verse contains a clear **Allusion** to Old Testament law, specifically the Mosaic requirement for multiple witnesses, which gives the instruction divine authority and continuity with God's established principles of justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The instruction in [1 Timothy 5:19](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19 - Justice in the Church") is profoundly theological, reflecting God's character as a God of justice, truth, and order. It underscores the divine value placed on fairness and due process, ensuring that the church, as God's household, operates with integrity in its internal affairs. This principle protects the vulnerable (including leaders who are targets of slander) and upholds the sanctity of truth. It prevents the church from becoming a breeding ground for gossip or baseless attacks, which can severely damage its unity and effectiveness. The call for multiple witnesses is not merely a legalistic requirement but a safeguard against human fallibility, bias, and malice, reflecting God's desire for righteous judgment. It also speaks to the importance of accountability, ensuring that even those in leadership are subject to biblical standards when legitimate concerns arise.

* [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Law of Witnesses")
* [Matthew 18:16](/matthew/18-16 "Matthew 18:16 - Jesus' Teaching on Church Discipline")
* [2 Corinthians 13:1](/2_corinthians/13-1 "2 Corinthians 13:1 - Paul's Adherence to the Witness Principle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 5:19 remains profoundly relevant for the church today, providing a timeless blueprint for handling serious allegations against those in spiritual authority. It calls for a delicate balance: on one hand, protecting the reputation and ministry of faithful leaders from frivolous or malicious attacks; on the other, ensuring that legitimate concerns are addressed with integrity and justice. For church members, this means exercising discernment and refraining from spreading unverified rumors or accepting single-source accusations, especially against elders who bear significant spiritual responsibility. For church leaders, it provides a framework for establishing fair and transparent processes for accountability, demonstrating a commitment to truth that builds trust within the congregation and maintains the church's witness to the world. Ultimately, this verse challenges us to uphold biblical standards of justice, valuing truth over hearsay and protecting the unity and purity of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "two or three witnesses" protect both the accused elder and the integrity of the church community?**
* **What are the dangers of receiving an accusation against a leader without proper verification, both for the individual and for the wider church?**
* **In what ways can a church foster an environment where legitimate concerns are brought forward appropriately, while also safeguarding against slander and gossip?**
* **How does a church's adherence to biblical principles of justice, as seen in this verse, impact its credibility and witness in the community?**

### FAQ

**Why is the standard for accusing an elder so strict compared to other church members?**

Answer: The standard is stricter because elders hold a position of significant spiritual authority, trust, and public visibility within the church. Their reputation is intrinsically linked to the church's reputation and its ability to effectively minister. A baseless or unverified accusation against an elder can cause immense damage to their personal life, their family, their ministry, and the entire congregation, leading to division and undermining the church's witness. Therefore, Paul institutes a higher bar for receiving such accusations, not to shield elders from accountability, but to protect them from malicious attacks and to ensure that any serious charge is indeed legitimate and well-substantiated, aligning with the principle that "from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" ([Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")).

**Does "two or three witnesses" mean that if there aren't multiple witnesses, no action can ever be taken against an elder?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The "two or three witnesses" rule primarily applies to the *reception* of a formal "accusation" (G2724, _katēgoría_), which implies a criminal charge or serious moral failing that would warrant public discipline or removal. It is a safeguard against unsubstantiated claims. However, this does not mean that all concerns or reports of misconduct, especially those involving patterns of behavior or private matters, cannot be investigated. If a single credible witness brings a concern, it should prompt a discreet investigation by church leadership to determine if further evidence exists or if the elder's conduct warrants pastoral intervention or counseling. The goal is always truth and justice, but the formal, public process of an "accusation" requires the higher bar of multiple witnesses to prevent abuse and protect the elder's reputation. This principle is consistent with the broader call for wisdom and discernment in handling all church matters ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Wisdom from God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 5:19 provides a crucial procedural safeguard for church leadership, its deeper fulfillment is rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the principles of justice, truth, and righteous judgment. Jesus Himself was the ultimate "witness" to God's truth, bearing testimony to the Father ([John 18:37](/john/18-37 "John 18:37 - Jesus' Kingdom and Truth")). Yet, He was also the subject of false accusations, enduring unjust trials before "witnesses" who bore false testimony against Him ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). In His suffering, Christ demonstrated divine patience and submission to an unrighteous process, ultimately fulfilling the prophecies of the suffering servant. As the Church, the body of Christ, we are called to reflect His character in our internal dealings, seeking justice and truth with integrity, just as He did. Our pursuit of fair process in handling accusations against elders is a tangible expression of our commitment to Christ's righteousness and His call for His people to live blamelessly, reflecting the character of the Chief Shepherd, who will ultimately judge all things righteously ([1 Peter 5:4](/1_peter/5-4 "1 Peter 5:4 - The Chief Shepherd's Reward") and [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ's Future Judgment")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:16

But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Deuteronomy 19:15

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

2 Corinthians 13:1

¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Titus 1:6

¶ If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.

Deuteronomy 17:6

At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

Hebrews 10:28

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

John 8:17

It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.