Bible Question: In the NIV translation, it speaks to addressing the rebuke before "the others" so that they make take warning. As the first portion of that particular passage is speaking about the treatment of elders, one could see it as before the "other elders." Your reference to Matthew, I've been told has nothing to do with the elders of the church, that refers to the congregation only. I do not concur since the Scriptures give procedural steps regarding a brother caught in a sin (fault). The bringing before the "entire" congregation should be the last step in discipline and only when the sinner is unrepentive. Do you agree with me on that note? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Raeaason! Again, it is just my opinion since the text doesn't specifically say, but I would say that 1 Tim. 5:20 is already referring to the third step. The 'two or three' have already been mentioned. They are the ones who brought the accusation. Now, it is to be brought before the entire congregation. I would have difficult seeing 'all' here as being limited to 'elders', since no such group has been mentioned in the passage. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |