1 Timothy 5:20

“Them that sin rebuke before all, etc.] This the apostle adds to the above rule, to show that he was far from screening wicked ministers, or elders, guilty of flagitious crimes, and gross enormities: for these words, though they may be applied unto, and may hold good of all offenders, that are members of churches; yet they seem chiefly to regard elders, even such who sin, who continue to sin, who live in sin, in some notorious sin or another; which is evident and known, to the great scandal of religion, and dishonour of the Gospel: and so some read the words, “them that sin before all, rebuke”; not only admonish once and again, but degrade them from their office, and withdraw from them, as…”

“Them that sin--whether presbyters or laymen. rebuke before all--publicly before the Church (Mat 18:15-17; Co1 5:9-13; Eph 5:11). Not until this "rebuke" was disregarded was the offender to be excommunicated. others . . . fear--that other members of the Church may have a wholesome fear of offending (Deu 13:11; Act 5:11).”

“Them that sin - That have been proved to have committed sin - referring probably to the elders mentioned in the previous verse, but giving the direction so general a form that it might be applicable to others. Rebuke before all - Before all the church or congregation. The word “rebuke” properly denotes to reprove or reprehend. It means here that there should be a public statement of the nature of the offence, and such a censure as the case demanded. It extends only to spiritual censures. There is no power given of inflicting any punishment by fine or imprisonment. The power of the church, in such cases, is only to express its strong and decided disapprobation of the wrong done, and, if the…”

“Those - Elders. That sin - Scandalously, and are duly convicted. Rebuke before all - The church. 1 Timothy 5:21”

“5:20 Those who sin: This term refers either to one who is (rightly) accused or to one making a (false) accusation (Deut 19:16-19). • The others are either the other elders or the rest of the church (cp. Deut 19:20; Acts 5:1-11).”

“rebuke: Lev 19:17; Gal 2:11-14; Ti2 4:2; Tit 1:13 that others: Ti1 1:20; Deu 13:11, Deu 17:13, Deu 19:20, Deu 21:21; Act 5:5, Act 5:11, Act 19:17 1 Timothy 5:21”