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Selected Verse: 1 Timothy 5:22 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
1Ti 5:22 |
King James |
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Lay hands--that is, ordain (Ti1 4:14; Ti2 1:6; Tit 1:5). The connection is with Ti1 5:19. The way to guard against scandals occurring in the case of presbyters is, be cautious as to the character of the candidate before ordaining him; this will apply to other Church officers so ordained, as well as to presbyters. Thus, this clause refers to Ti1 5:19, as next clause, "neither be partaker of other men's sins," refers to Ti1 5:20. ELLICOTT and WIESINGER understand it of receiving back into Church fellowship or absolution, by laying hands on those who had been "rebuked" (Ti1 5:20) and then excommunicated (Mat 18:17); Ti1 5:20 favors this. But as in Ti1 4:14, and Act 6:6; Act 13:3; Ti2 1:6, the laying on of hands is used of ordination (compare however as to confirmation, Act 8:17), it seems better to take it so here.
suddenly--hastily: Ti1 5:24-25 show that waiting for a time is salutary.
neither be partaker of other men's sins--by negligence in ordaining ungodly candidates, and so becoming in some degree responsible for their sins. Or, there is the same transition from the elders to all in general who may sin, as in Ti1 5:19-20. Be not a partaker in other men's sins by not "rebuking them that sin before all," as well as those that are candidates for the presbytery, as also all "that sin."
keep thyself pure--"thyself' is emphatic. "Keep THYSELF" clear of participation in OTHER men's sin by not failing to rebuke them that sin (Ti1 5:20). Thus the transition is easy to Ti1 5:23, which is concerning Timothy personally; compare also Ti1 5:24. |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Lay hands suddenly on no man - Some have understood this of laying on hands to heal the sick (Koppe); others of the laying on of hands to absolve penitents, but the obvious meaning is to refer it to ordination. It was usual to lay the hands on the heads of those who were ordained to a sacred office, or appointed to perform an important duty; notes, Ti1 4:14; compare Act 6:6; Act 8:17. The idea here is, that Timothy should not be hasty in an act so important as that of introducing people to the ministry. He should take time to give them a fair trial of their piety; he should have satisfactory evidence of their qualifications. He should not at once introduce a man to the ministry because he gave evidence of piety, or because he burned with an ardent zeal, or because he thought himself qualified for the work. It is clear from this that the apostle regarded Timothy as having the right to ordain to the ministry; but not that he was to ordain alone, or as a prelate. The injunction would be entirely proper on the supposition that others were to be associated with him in the act of ordaining. It is just such as a Presbyterian father in the ministry would give in a charge to his son now; it is in fact just the charge which is now given by Presbyterians and congregationalists to those who are set apart to the sacred office, in reference to ordaining others.
Neither be partaker of other men's sins - This is evidently to be interpreted in connection with the injunction "to lay hands suddenly on no man." The meaning, in this connection, is, that Timothy was not to become a participant in the sins of another by introducing him to the sacred office. He was not to invest one with a holy office who was a wicked man or a heretic, for this would be to sanction his wickedness and error. If we ordain a man to the office of the ministry who is known to be living in sin, or to cherish dangerous error, we become the patrons of the sin and of the heresy. We lend to it the sanction of our approbation; and give to it whatever currency it may acquire from the reputation which we may have, or which it may acquire from the influence of the sacred office of the ministry. Hence, the importance of caution in investing anyone with the ministerial office. But while Paul meant, doubtless, that this should be applied particularly to ordination to the ministry, he has given it a general character. In no way are we to participate in the sins of other people. We are not to be engaged with them in doing wrong; we are not to patronize them in a wicked business; we are not to be known as their companions or friends; and we are not to partake of their unlawful gains. We are not to lend money, or a boat, or a horse, or a pistol, or a bowie-knife, for an unlawful business; we are not to furnish capital for the slave-trade, or for manufacturing intoxicating drinks, or for an enterprise that contemplates the violation of the Sabbath.
Keep thyself pure - Particularly, in regard to participation in the sins of others; generally, in all things - in heart, in word, in conduct. |
The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917] |
sins
Sin
(See Scofield) - (Rom 3:23). |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Lay hands on
Probably with reference to that rite in the formal restoration of those who had been expelled from the church for gross sins.
Suddenly (ταχέως)
Better, hastily.
Neither be partaker of other men's sins (μηδὲ κοινώνει ἁμαρτίαις ἀλλοτρίαις)
Letter, make common cause with. See on communicating, Rom 12:13. Comp. Rom 15:27; Pe1 4:13; Eph 5:11. By a too hasty and inconsiderate restoration, he would condone the sins of the offenders, and would thus make common cause with them.
Keep thyself pure (σεαυτὸν ἁγνὸν τήρει)
Comp. Ti1 6:14. Enjoining positively what was enjoined negatively in the preceding clause. For pure see on Jo1 3:3. For keep see on reserved, Pe1 1:4. The phrase ἑαυτὸν τηρεῖν to keep one's self, in Jam 1:27; Co2 11:9. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
Lay hands suddenly on no man - That is, appoint no man to church offices without full trial and examination; else thou wilt be accessary to, and accountable for, his misbehaviour in his office. Keep thy self pure - From the blood of all men. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Lay hands suddenly on no man - Do not hastily appoint any person to the sacred ministry: let the person be well proved before he receives the imposition of hands. Some understand this of laying hands on the sick.
Neither be partaker of other men's sins - It is a sin for any improper person to thrust himself into the sacred office; and he partakes of that sin who introduces, helps him forward, or sanctions him in it. O, what an account will rash, undiscerning, and prejudiced bishops, presbyters, and others, have to render to God for their ordinations! Their laying rash or careless hands "on skulls that cannot teach, and will not learn;" while probably they refuse inducting others well qualified for the Christian ministry.
Keep thyself pure - From this and every other evil. |
24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.