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Scripture Reading : 1 Timothy 5:21

I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.

The King James Version has it: “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.”

Using the above quote of this verse from the King James Version, it is the only verse in the epistles to Timothy that has within it the expression "one another." We do not find it in Titus either. No doubt this is because they are personal letters, written to individuals rather than to a group, as is the case with most of the epistles. However, these letters are filled with practical advice, which if followed, would prevent much difficulty among Christians. Our verse (1 Tim. 5:21) reveals that all these exhortations must be observed without prejudice or favoritism. The Ephesian church, where Timothy was when Paul writes him, was perhaps one of the largest of that time. Because of certain conditions, Paul had sent young Timothy there to set things right. This was a tremendous responsibility for such a young man and Paul was anxious that he carry it out in the most righteous manner.

A solemn charge

We find Paul charging Timothy quite often in this epistle (1:18, etc), but in no place does he speak so solemnly and earnestly as here. This charge is given in the presence of the most august witnesses. He says, “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels.” Paul was anxious to have young Timothy follow the path of absolute rectitude. It is well to remember that everything we do is directly under the eye of God and our Lord Jesus and we must give full account to them.

The elect angels

Paul makes this charge to Timothy, not only in the presence of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, but also in the presence of the elect angels. Some think these elect angels were a special class chosen for a special work. If so, it is not known what special class Paul meant. It can be concluded from various Scriptures that angels observe what is going on here on earth, and do doubt they rejoice when things go well among Christians. From Matthew 13 and elsewhere we learn that angels have something to do with the judgment, although Christ is the judge. The Lord never showed any partiality to angels. Those who sinned were quickly cast out of heaven.

Without prejudice—without preferring

Paul did not want Timothy to swerve from the path of rectitude. "Without preferring one" in the King James Version is translated as "without prejudice" in the New King James version. If the affairs of the church are not run in strict fairness, trouble is sure to arise. We should never do things because of a personal dislike toward one, nor because of a feeling of personal friendship. We all know that the affairs of the world are greatly affected by these prejudices.

Example of prejudice

During many elections, we are astounded to read about alleged underhanded things some of the big and powerful politicians do in order to win votes. Sometimes Christians act like politicians rather than like those who belong to Christ. Sometimes Christians make a big ado over those higher and more famous than themselves, but when it comes to ones of lower station, they are ready to belittle them and even thrust them down and, as the world says, "kick them in the teeth." A self-serving, authoritative elder of the church spoke to a Bible class and said, “Those who are following the elders, we admonish. But, if you do not like the way we are running the church, then you can leave; and we will even help you find a place to go.” Not many in the class wanted to climb up on this big man's coat tail—he was doing everything he could to hinder any one from climbing at all. Such are so unlike their Lord and Master. Romans 12:10 says, "In honor giving preference to one another." Too many are like the above elder. As long as you do as they suggest you stand in their good graces, but the moment you cross them you are an enemy forever. They never seem to forget, or forgive. May we, in our actions or judgments, whether to friend, relative, or foe, never show the least bit of prejudice. To do so is sure to cause trouble among Christians.