Bits of Torah Truths – #Torah Concept in the NT: Prove Accusations Against Elders – Episode 666
1 Timothy 5:19
אַל תְּקַבֵּל דְּבַר קִטְרוּג עַל זָקֵן, בִּלְתִּי אִם עַל–פִּי שְׁנַיִם אוֹ שְׁלוֹשָׁה עֵדִים.
#torah #torahwisdom #torahtruth #torahforlife #torah4you #torahtruth
1 Timothy 5:19
5:19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. (NASB)
https://www.matsati.com/index.php/category/bits-of-torah-truths/
Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 5:19 “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses” is rooted directly in the Torah principles of judicial fairness and witness validation. The Torah repeatedly emphasizes that accusations must be tested and proven by multiple witnesses before action is taken.
– Torah Parallels to 1 Timothy 5:19 –
- Deuteronomy 19:15 “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin… at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.” This is the clearest parallel. Torah requires multiple witnesses to prove accusations, preventing false or hasty judgment.
- Numbers 35:30 “Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.” Even in capital cases, accusations must be proven by multiple witnesses, protecting against wrongful punishment.
- Deuteronomy 17:6 “At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.” Again, Torah sets the standard: accusations must be corroborated.
- Exodus 23:1 “Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.” The Torah warns against false accusations, underscoring the need to prove charges carefully.
Note the Thematic Connections:
- Witness validation → Torah insists on two or three witnesses; Paul applies this to church elders.
- Protection of leadership → Just as Torah protects individuals from false charges, Paul protects elders from frivolous accusations.
- Justice and fairness → Both Torah and Paul emphasize that accusations must be tested before action is taken.
- Community integrity → Torah safeguards covenant justice; Paul safeguards church order.
The Torah establishes the principle: no accusation stands without multiple witnesses. Paul applies this directly to elders, ensuring that church leadership is not undermined by unproven claims. In both contexts, the goal is justice, protection from false testimony, and preservation of community integrity. This is how Paul taught Torah in the NT, the Torah has not passed away!
