Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
Summary: Paul’s instruction to Timothy reveals another glimpse of Timothy’s role at Ephesus as well as providing a clear guideline for parsing complaints about church leaders.
This passage is very specific and is directed personally to Timothy.
That does not mean that there is not an underlying principle we should pay attention to. There is.
What it does mean is that we have an opportunity to peek inside the relationship between Paul and Timothy, and at the same time, catch a glimpse of the relationship between Timothy and the church at Ephesus.
In this verse, Paul is speaking directly to Timothy, man to man.
Why is that significant?
So far, Paul has commanded Timothy to command others what not to preach (1 Timothy 1:3,18). These are other people who consider themselves preachers. He has also instructed Timothy on the qualifications for overseers (NIV – also bishop, pastor, elder, or church leader in other translations).
As we have discussed before, this places Timothy as an apprentice of sorts to Paul. It puts him at or near the apostolic level of authority in the church.
If someone were to bring a complaint about an elder to the church, they would want to bring it to the highest authority they could, so that tells us something about Timothy’s position and authority.
Then there is the content of the instruction itself.
What is the standard for a complaint against a church leader? We have already read Paul’s words about the vetting of someone who wants to serve (1 Timothy 3:1-13). To be considered for any type of leadership role, a person’s understanding of the Gospel message is so essential that it goes without saying. However, the heart of a man cannot be assessed by intellectual assent. Paul’s criteria for church leaders speak not just to their knowledge, but to the fruit of their faith.
If someone is called into leadership who does not bear the correct fruit, that is not the man’s fault for wanting to serve. That would reflect negligence on Timothy’s part, something that I doubt would ever cross Paul’s mind. So the assumption is that the church leaders are above reproach (1 Timothy 3:2).
Has a church leader done something wrong? Paul is not suggesting that such things should be ignored. The facts are the facts, and all he wants to be sure of is that an accusation is based on facts, not opinions.
Application: Faith and integrity are essential for church leaders.
Food for Thought: How do clear guidelines about having at least two witnesses contribute to peace and unity in the church body?
How do clear guidelines about having at least two witnesses contribute to peace and unity in the church body?
Having two witnesses is a means to seek justice. To say “two witnesses” implies that there is an adjudicator. So, in that context, it provides for the opportunity that the adjudicator can be given truthful information, and it slows the whole thing down so emotions do not cloud the process. The ultimate gain of justice is to build the Body up. When people believe that accusations will be handled justly and with mercy, both for others and themselves, they can be open to each other. Openness is a doorway to peace and unity. False accusations tear the Body down. If people believe that accusations will be handled unjustly and without mercy, they tend to shrink away and separate from each other. They are closed off, and are then in self-preservation mode.
I believe another aspect of two witnesses is this: when two believers agree on something, the Father will grant it, and where two or more are gathered in His name, Jesus is there in the midst.
Matthew 18:15-20
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
Chris,
Thanks for this thoughtful reply!
I like the reference to the other “two’s” —
2 believers, and where 2 or more are gathered.
How do clear guidelines about having at least two witnesses contribute to peace and unity in the church body?
Mathew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
Requiring “at least two godly witnesses,” in agreement to the validity of a single point is a requirement established by God. Our acceptance, obedience to this command is a witness to our faith it a truth made known to us by God.
Thank you, Ron!
Actually, if Jesus is there, too, that makes three! 🙂