Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on 1 Timothy 5:1

CHAPTER 5

1Ti 5:1-25. General Directions as to How Timothy Should Deal with Different Classes in the Church.

1. an elder--in age; probably not an elder in the ministry; these latter are not mentioned till 1Ti 5:17, "the elders that rule." Compare Ac 2:17, "your old men," literally, "elders." Contrasted with "the younger men." As Timothy was admonished so to conduct himself as to give no man reason to despise his youth (1Ti 4:12); so here he is told to bear in mind his youth, and to behave with the modesty which becomes a young man in relation to his elders.

Rebuke not--literally, "Strike not hard upon"; Rebuke not sharply: a different word from "rebuke" in 2Ti 4:2.

entreat--exhort.

as brethren--and therefore equals; not lording it over them (1Pe 5:1-3).