The elect angels; the holy angels whom God in accordance with his eternal purpose, has preserved in a state of sinlessness. They are "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Hebrews 1:14. As such they are present in the assemblies of his church, and witnesses of the transactions there taking place.

These things; the directions just given.

Without preferring one before another; literally, without prejudgment, which is manifested in deciding a case beforehand under the influence of prejudice against a man, or prepossession in his favor.

Doing nothing by partiality; the immediate reference of these words is to the hearing of accusations and the administering of rebukes, verse 1 Timothy 5:19-20. That they apply also to the ordaining of men for the service of the church is evident and is implied in what follows.

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Old Testament