John Trapp on 1 Timothy 5:20

Verſe 20 Them that ſin] i. e. Thoſe Presbyters that ſin publikely, ſcandalouſly, as did Peter, Gal. 2.14. and thoſe who were convicted, by two or three witneſſes, as ver. 19. Rebuke before all: yet not as if they were whipping boyes. See the Note on ver. 1. of this Chapter. But if the fault be not known abroad, that rule of our Saviour takes place, Mat. 18.15, 16. Conſtantine the Great was heard to ſay, That if he ſhould take a Preſbyter in the act of adultery, he would cover the matter with his imperiall robe, rather then it ſhould come abroad to the ſcandalſ of the weak, and ſcorn of the wicked.