Daily Thought

Partiality was the first problem that the apostles had to face in the church in Jerusalem, shortly after Pentecost, Acts 6. And here Paul reminds Timothy that partiality, or even the appearance of it, can be damaging to an individual or an assembly. It has the idea of not being favourably inclined towards one rather than another, but in our dealings with people, whether they be young women or old men, all prejudice must be eliminated. The assembly at Ephesus was likely very large and today’s chapter gives us an idea of the variety of people within the fellowship. There were elders (older people), young men and young women, various kinds of widows, children and grandchildren (nephews). Partiality is destructive to those affected by prejudicial judgements and the person who is partial soon debilitates himself as well. Paul advises how Timothy can avoid falling into this trap.

Older people, men and women, should be treated with care and respect. They should not be victims of unkind words but be treated as one would treat one’s own parents in an atmosphere of mutual love and a readiness to forgive. Younger men should be treated as brothers and younger women as sisters. In ‘these things’ a family atmosphere should prevail. Similarly, with elders (overseers), there must always be a remembrance that these are men doing a very difficult job and that they too are vulnerable to Satan’s wiles and temptations. Indeed, he will, on occasion, raise up church members to accuse elders of things most foul, and maybe without a shred of evidence. Such accusations must be treated carefully and pursued only if supported by two or three witnesses - people who have seen something and not people who have just heard something, vv. 17-19! Proven sin earns a rebuke before the church so that others may fear. This charge regarding partiality is given in the sight of God and before Jesus Christ and the elect angels, thus signifying its importance.

Being a leader often takes a physical toll on people and this proved so with Timothy. He was under stress and was often ill. Paul suggests he consider taking wine as a medicine and not to restrict himself only to water. He does not suggest that Timothy should become a social drinker. Nor should we!