Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
An accusation against an elder is not to be received unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. That requirement of two or three witnesses reflects the broader biblical principle that a matter must be established by multiple witnesses. It guards against lightly made and unsubstantiated charges against leaders.
Elders have been entrusted by God with responsibility in the church and are to be treated with honor. Concerns about workers should therefore be raised kindly and privately rather than spread about as reports.
When sin is established, the offender is to be rebuked publicly so that others may be warned. Both the receiving of accusations and the rebuking are to be done impartially, without favoritism.
An accusation against an elder is not to be received unless it is supported by two or three witnesses. That requirement of two or three witnesses reflects the broader biblical principle that a matter must be established by multiple witnesses. It guards against lightly made and unsubstantiated charges against leaders.
Elders have been entrusted by God with responsibility in the church and are to be treated with honor. Concerns about workers should therefore be raised kindly and privately rather than spread about as reports.
When sin is established, the offender is to be rebuked publicly so that others may be warned. Both the receiving of accusations and the rebuking are to be done impartially, without favoritism.