Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
Summary: Paul’s instruction about the laying on of hands opens the door to a lot of possibilities.
This verse falls into the rather serious category of “warnings.” Much of Paul’s letter has to do with instructing Timothy on what he should do as leader of the churches in Ephesus. In chapter five, the tone has changed, and Paul has been warning Timothy what not to do.
For example, we, along with Timothy, are warned not to rebuke an older man harshly. Paul warns us not to put younger widows on the “list of widows.” After this, Paul warns us not to entertain accusations against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses.
In the verse for this meditation, Paul says, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands…” This comes directly after his instructions on how to deal with elders who have sinned.
The laying on of hands is used in several different ways in the Bible.
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul reminds Timothy that the “gift of God” was given him through the “laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). Jesus, when he healed people he sometimes laid hands on them (Luke 4:40). Paul, himself, had used the laying on of hands for healing (Acts 28:8). Sometimes the laying on of hands is used to share the Holy Spirit with another person (Acts 8:14–17).
This context, however, suggests that this time might be different.
Given that Paul has been talking about elders, it seems reasonable that Paul is talking about the use of laying on hands in ordaining or commissioning elders. Specifically, in this case, he may have been referring to an elder who had sinned, or possibly just the selection of elders in general.
In either case, Paul’s words are cautionary:
“Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”
Choosing someone to serve as an elder is not only a big responsibility, but it also entails risk. If the new or reinstalled elder falls short, the risk to the congregation is that some might be led astray. If that were to happen, there is another risk; Timothy’s credibility as a servant of God might be damaged in the eyes of the people he serves.
Paul’s advice is simple: “Keep yourself pure.”
Application: Avoid even the appearance of sin.
Food for Thought: What are the possible social consequences of keeping oneself “pure”?
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What are the possible social consequences of keeping oneself “pure”?
In a negative context “social consequence” means moving through a process of ridicule, shaming, and then exclusion.
John 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
In a positive context “social consequence” means faithful obedience to the Lord can yield trust, affection, and openness.
Proverbs 22:11 He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
Social consequence can be a fickle environment when it includes those who are easily swayed by desire, emotion, and lack of self-control. When people build their life on Christ, it can be an extension of Him living within us.
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
1 John 3:3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Thank you, Chris!
I appreciate that you point out our choice is one or the other, but not both at one time. Interesting!