1 Timothy 5:19-23

The Message

¹⁹ Don’t listen to a complaint against a leader that isn’t backed up by two or three responsible witnesses.

²⁰ If anyone falls into sin, call that person on the carpet. Those who are inclined that way will know right off they can’t get by with it.

^21-23 God and Jesus and angels all back me up in these instructions. Carry them out without favoritism, without taking sides. Don’t appoint people to church leadership positions too hastily. If a person is involved in some serious sins, you don’t want to become an unwitting accomplice. In any event, keep a close check on yourself. And don’t worry too much about what the critics will say. Go ahead and drink a little wine, for instance; it’s good for your digestion, good medicine for what ails you.