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1 Timothy 5:20
DailyBibleStudy.Org
20 Them that sin [hamartano] rebuke [elegcho] before [enopion] all, [pas] that [hina] others [loipoy] also [kai] may [echo] fear. [phobos] KJV-Interlinear
20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning. NASB
People in leadership roles, are held to a higher standard than people who are not in leadership roles.
Those leaders or would be leaders, if they are allowed to sin and to continue sinning with impunity, become a disgrace not only to themselves, but to the office in which they serve.
When an office is disgraced and allowed to continue in disgrace, then its credibility and authority become null, and people tend to not recognize it, to disregard it and its occupant. An office that has no authority or respect, has no value, and becomes less dependable and trustworthy to those who view it.
There are many examples of offices with this kind of disgrace. Journalism is generally looked down upon as being deceitful, twisting stories or leaving out information. Politicians have for a long time been held in low esteem because of corruption and various shenanigans that they try to pull. Celebrities are generally viewed with regard to their success or popularity, but receive little respect for their reputation.
And these are just examples of course. There are many folks that do honor to their office.
However, Paul is referring to the office of Bible teacher, or elder, and in that office, the highest of standards must be followed, because the content of what is being taught has an eternal impact on those who hear (or reject) the teaching.
If the office is disgraced, then many will not even listen. And history is not without examples of pastors or priests that have been, shall we say, far less than honorable. What with the many scandals and lewd activities that some have pursued.
And now we come to the handling of these sins or violations of the office.
Anyone can lodge a complaint, but not anyone can investigate or follow up on it. It is left to the church authorities or legal authorities for conducting investigations and pursuing whatever action is appropriate against a violating pastor.
And if the complaint is valid, then the pastor or one who is causing the violation, is to be prosecuted in the appropriate manner.
To be rebuked publically, does not mean verbal abuse, or verbal reprimand in public. This means to be prosecuted in accordance with due process.
If the violation is a crime, then the accused is placed on trial in a court of law. If the violation is a sin of morality of some sort, then the church by-laws and procedures for reprimand, suspension, removal, or whatever, need to be followed.
The congregation, the public, the group whatever it may be made up of, does not have a vigilante right, nor a gossip right, etc. But they do have the right to be informed of the legal or violation proceedings, and results.
To turn a blind eye to violations in covering up, or covering for, someone who causes such violations, always leads to greater distrust and a lack of confidence in the eyes of the congregation or audience.
The reputation of the office is far more important than the reputation of the one who occupies it.
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