1 Timothy 5:22

The thought of πρόσκλισις or partiality in his dealings with the Ephesian presbyters on Timothy’s part suggests the warning χεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει. (a) Some modern commentators and a few of the Latin fathers understand this of the reconciling of penitent presbyters who have fallen into sin. Such reconciliation was doubtless attended with χειροθεσία in later ages (see e.g. Cyprian Ep. 74, Eus. H. E. VII. 2), but there is no evidence that it was an accustomed usage in Apostolic times, nor is χειροθεσία or any similar phrase used in such a context elsewhere in the N.T. It is better, then, (b) with the early Greek commentators (e.g. Chrysostom) to interpret the injunction as prohibiting hasty ordinations. ἐπίθεσις τῶν χειρῶν is used of the act of ordination in ch. 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6, as well as at Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3; in Acts 8:17-19 of imparting a special χάρισμα, and in Hebrews 6:2 quite vaguely (though probably of Confirmation). It will be remembered that the Church has sanctioned the interpretation of the words which refers them to ordination, by embodying them in the Ember Collect. The precept is thus in accordance with the rule about deacons (1 Timothy 3:10) οὗτοι δὲ δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον. ταχέως is expressive of undue haste, which is much to be deprecated.

μηδὲ κοινώνει ἁμαρτίαις�, neither be partaker of other men’s sins, sc. by ordaining unworthy persons. κοινωνεῖν with the dative of the thing shared in is common in the N.T., e.g. Romans 15:27; ἁμαρτίαις recalls and is suggested by ἁμαρτάνοντας of 1 Timothy 5:20. The sequence of thought is easy: Do not lightly entertain accusations against a presbyter (1 Timothy 5:19); Do not spare rebuke if he fall into sinful habits (1 Timothy 5:20); Be not partial (1 Timothy 5:21); Do not admit him to the presbyterate without due enquiry (1 Timothy 5:22 a); If you do, you accept responsibility for his sins, which, in a manner, you have made your own (1 Timothy 5:22 b). And this last grave thought leads on to the personal warning σεαυτὸν ἁγνὸν τήρει, keep thyself pure, sc. pure in the first instance as not being κοινωνός of another man’s sins, and in a more general reference as well. See for ἁγνός note on 1 Timothy 4:14 : with σεαυτὸν τήρει cp. 2 Corinthians 11:9.