Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 56

Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 12

1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. KJV

As the Apostle Paul heads into the home stretch of revealing to Brother Timothy the things that should be allowed and disallowed in the Body of Believers in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, he now wants to remind Timothy of his authority as an Apostle and of his words carrying the weight that they do, so he writes this to Timothy, "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality." (1 Timothy 5:21) (KJV). The little English phrase that begins this verse 'I charge' is translated by the Greek word diamarturomai meaning to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively, that is, giving strong encouragement: - charge, testify (unto), witness. The English word 'before' is translated by the Greek word enōpion meaning in the face of (literally or figuratively): - before, in the presence of. And of course 'God' is the Supreme Ruler and Controller, the Maker of all things the heavens and the earth, the Creator, the One and Only True God.

And our 'Lord Jesus Christ' is the God Man who is the Word of God become flesh as it is written by the Apostle John of Him with these words, "IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself." (John 1:1) (Amplified Bible) and "And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth." (John 1:14) (Amplified Bible). And 'the elect angels' are those 2/3 of the angels that did not disobey God the Father and rise up against Him in heaven with the angel (lucifer) and the other 1/3 of the angels (Revelation 12:7-12). The English word 'elect' is translated by the Greek word eklektos meaning select; by implication favorite: - chosen, elect. Therefore, Paul is hear reminding Timothy of all the things he has instructed him upon and declaring to him that everything he has given to Timothy has been in the open right in the sight of God the Father, the Almighty One, our Lord Jesus Christ, and all the obedient angels in heaven.

When Paul writes, 'that thou observe these things without preferring one before another', here he is saying to Timothy and to we true believers today that there should not be any prejudgement or prejudice upon his/our part on declaring some of these instructions/commands good or no good and this is why he just stated to Timothy that all these things have been given to you for your implementation in the very presence of God, that is, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit approve and have given these to me to give to you for your execution, therefore, don't waiver, but do them without partiality and this English word 'partiality' is translated by the Greek word prosklisis (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning a leaning towards, that is, (figuratively) proclivity (favoritism): - partiality. Note: "Timothy was not to be a leader who would look favorably upon one brother or sister in Christ while looking down upon others because of their status in the community or any other such outward meaningless thing, for it is not the ministers fear of men that should direct his words and his teaching and his preaching, but it must be his understanding that he has in reality an audience of One, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ to please and if pleasing Him causes others to be displeased, then this is desirable for Timothy and for we true believers today and of every era and generation."

Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this verse written to Brother Timothy and to all believers of every era and generation, "The Apostle would have Timothy to consider that all he did should be done as in the sight of God, the Father of the spirits of all flesh; in the sight of Christ, the Savior of sinners, who purchased the Church with His own blood; and in the sight of the most holy, approved, and eminent angels, whose office it was to minister to the heirs of salvation. The word elect, applied to the angels here, is supposed to distinguish those who stood, when others fell from their first estate. The former were elect, or approved; the latter reprobate, or disapproved. This is not an unfrequent sense of the word elect. Perhaps there is nothing else meant than the angels that are chosen out from among others, by the Lord Himself, to be ministering servants to the Church. Without preferring one before another - Without prejudice. Promote no man’s cause; make not up thy mind on any case, till thou hast weighed both sides, and heard both parties, with their respective witnesses; and then act impartially, as the matter may appear to be proved. Do not treat any man, in religious matters, according to the rank he holds in life, or according to any personal attachment thou mayest have for him. Every man should be dealt with in the Church as he will be dealt with at the judgment-seat of Christ. A minister of the Gospel, who, in the exercise of discipline in the Church, is swayed and warped by secular considerations, will be a curse rather than a blessing to the people of God. Accepting the persons of the rich, in ecclesiastical matters, has been a source of corruption in Christianity. With some ministers the show of piety in a rich man goes farther than the soundest Christian experience in the poor. What account can such persons give of their stewardship?"

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…