1Ti_5:1,2 Directions to Timothy how to admonish persons of different
conditions.
1Ti_5:3-16 Concerning widows.
1Ti_5:17,18 Elders, if they do well, are to be doubly honoured,
1Ti_5:19-21 and are not to be censured without full proof, and
then openly and impartially,
1Ti_5:22 caution not to ordain any one precipitately.
1Ti_5:23 Advice respecting Timothy’s health.
1Ti_5:24,25 Some men’s characters are more easily discerned that those
of others.
Rebuke not an elder; it appeareth by the next verse, that the apostle by elder here understandeth not a church officer, but an ancient man. The word translated rebuke is translated too softly; it should be: Rebuke not too roughly, as appears by the opposite phrase, and indeed the word properly signifies to beat or lash. Rebuke him not but with a decent respect to his age.
But entreat him as a father; so that thy reproofs may look more like counsels and exhortations than rebukes.
And the younger men as brethren; prudence also must be used as to the yonnger men, ministers in rebuking them should remember that they are brethren, and treat them accordingly, not too imperiously.