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19 Against [kata] an elder [presbuteros] receive [paradechomai] not [me] an accusation, [kategoria] but [ei me][ektos] before [epi] two [duo] or [e] three [treis] witnesses. [martus]KJV-Interlinear
19 Do not receive an accusation
against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. NASB
In every social
organization, whether it be a group organized for entertainment, competition,
social gatherings, church services, or for some other reason, you will find
those who are not in charge, who will resent those who are in charge, and the
reverse is true too.This inordinate competition,
or social discord leads to gossip and maligning and disruption from within the
organization.
If this type of social
disruption is allowed to go unchecked, then the entire organization will fall
apart or even split apart, or cease altogether.
Therefore, Paul applies
the principle of Deut 19:15 and Matt 18:16, wherein two or three witnesses with
first hand knowledge of some sort of infringement,
must come forward before any accusation may be brought against the church
leadership.
The word for receive, paradechomai, means to receive, or to entertain, or to
consider.Therefore, if credible
evidence is presented, then it is to be investigated.If the evidence proves to be nothing more
than gossip, or simply a disagreement of opinion, then it is to be dismissed or
ignored.
The accusation is to be
of a criminal or immoral nature, which is a violation of duties of the office
of the elder.
Just not liking someone
or disagreeing with them, is no basis for an accusation.
An accusation, kategoria, means complaint, or criminal charge.The magnitude of the accusation needs to be
severe enough that legal due process is justified.
Pettiness, gossip,
political struggles for control and so forth, do not fit into this scenario.If leadership is to be changed, then the
member can either leave the organization, or abide by the rules of change by
voting and election, as the organization calls for.This means that any change must be accomplished
in an orderly fashion, and not by vigilante force.
As far as churches or
study groups are concerned, the content of the scriptures are their first
priority.If that is not the case, then
you certainly have the right to bring your recommendations before those who are
in charge.But, you do not have the
right to disrupt the organization by means of unsubstantiated or irrelevant accusations.
If at all possible,
always work from within the organization to bring about change.Never try to seize control or force change by
means of devious or violent methods.
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End Of Lesson
Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.
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