5:19a

Do not entertain an accusation: This is a command addressed to Timothy. In this context, the Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Do not entertain an accusation is more clearly translated as:

Do not accept an accusation

an elder: See the note on 5:17a.

5:19b

except on the testimony of two or three witnesses: This part of the verse refers to the normal Jewish practice of requiring two or three witnesses to accuse an elder. This rule was in the laws given to Moses (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus also quoted it in Matthew 18:16. There needed to be at least two witnesses, or better three witnesses, before a person could be considered guilty.

witnesses: A witness in this context is a person who has seen or heard the elder sin.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.