“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.” (1 Timothy 5:21 (ESV)
Today’s text must be understood and applied in light of the immediately preceding context (I Tim. 5:17-20). The Apostle Paul counseled his young protégé Timothy about the proper conduct of the church towards its elders, and the proper conduct of the elders towards the Lord and His church. In light of what he previously stated, Paul instructed Timothy to “keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.”
Dr. William Hendriksen writes, “Now in the matters discussed in verses 19 and 20, and, in fact, in any matter touching the discipline of church-leaders, one is easily influenced by purely subjective considerations. But this can spell ruin for the church and for all those concerned. Timothy, as apostolic delegate in the churches of Ephesus and vicinity, must not allow this to happen to him. Even today biased judges, ecclesiastical “machines,” so-called “investigating-committees” manned by job-hunters, “buddy-ism,” and the like can easily destroy a denomination. Corruption generally begins “at the summit.” Church History furnishes many examples. The man in the pew does not know what happened “while he slept.” When he wakes up—if he ever does!—it is generally too late.”[1]
“Hence, absolute impartiality and unimpeachable honesty in all such matters are essential. It is for that reason that the charge which the apostle now lays on Timothy is so very grave. Everything is at stake! The church of the twenty-first century may well take to heart these solemn words: I charge (you) in the sight of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels that you observe these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing from partiality.”[2]
To keep (φυλάξῃς; phylaxis) means to decisively, actively and potentially guard, watch and obey. What Timothy was to guard, watch and obey were the rules Paul had set forth. Timothy was to do so without prejudging (προκρίματος; prokrimatos) or partiality (πρόσκλισιν; prosklisin). Respectively, these two nouns refer to making decision unfairly and prejudicially.
“Why Paul punctuated his instructions with this strong charge can only be guessed. Had Timothy passively avoided unpleasant confrontations, or had he taken a strong stand in some cases but not others? For whatever reasons, Paul strongly adjured the young minister to follow through on (keep is lit., “guard”) these instructions without partiality (lit., “prejudging,” used only here in the NT) or favoritism (prosklisin, lit., “inclination toward someone,” used only here in the NT).” [3]
This was not merely a suggestion from Paul. Rather, this was a solemn charge (διαμαρτύρομαι; diamartyromai). Paul was personally insisting and strongly warning Timothy to obey these edicts. The apostle was not invoking his own presence and authority, but rather the presence and authority of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, the elect angels, by the person and work of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2Peter 1:20-21).
“Paul emphasizes that it is under the very eye and with the full approval of God that these directives (verses 19 and 20) have been issued. This is the very God who through Christ Jesus will one day judge all men. And these are the angels who will be associated with Christ in the final judgment. Hence, the apostle is, as it were, putting Timothy under oath to comply with the mandate which he has received (in the spirit of Gen. 24:3, 9). One who breaks the oath will be judged. That, in giving this charge, Paul is actually thinking of the final judgment is clear from a comparison with the similar language of 2 Tim. 4:1.”[4]
Note the particulars that are mentioned here in 1 Tim. 5:21:
“The Judge is God (Gen. 18:25; Heb. 12:23). The addressed must be deeply conscious of the fact that Paul in issuing and Timothy in dealing with this charge are acting in the sight of God, the Judge!”[5]
“Yet, God judges not directly but through Christ Jesus. It is upon the Mediator that the honor of judging was conferred as a reward for the atonement which he rendered (Matt. 25:31–46; John 5:22, 23, 27; Acts 19:41; 17:31; 2 Cor. 5:10; Phil. 2:10, 11; 2 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 14:14–16).”[6]
“Associated with Christ in this work of judging will be the angels, as is taught everywhere in Holy Writ (Dan. 7:10; Matt. 13:27, 41, 42; 16:27; 24:31–33; 25:31; 2 Thess. 1:7; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 14:15, 17–20). They will gather the redeemed and will drive the wicked before the judgment-seat.”[7]
Today’s text reminds all who serve the Lord they are doing so in the presence of the heavenly throne and the angelic host. We must never forget this truth. May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 183.
[2] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 183.
[3] A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 744.
[4] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 183.
[5] Ibid.,183–184.
[6] Ibid., 184.
[7] Ibid., 184.
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