1 Timothy 5:22

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Do not be in a hurry to lay hands on anyone [i.e., to appoint them to office. See 4:14], and do not participate in the sins of other people. [Note: If Timothy failed to carefully determine the qualifications of a prospective elder before appointing him, it would make him partially responsible for any wrongdoing by that elder]. Keep yourself pure [i.e., of involvement in anyone’s sins].

Cross References

Ephesians 5:11

Do not have fellowship with [people who practice] worthless deeds of darkness [i.e., sinful living], but expose them instead.

1 Timothy 3:10

And these [prospective deacons] should also first be tested, [and] then they should [be appointed to] serve [as deacons] if they are found to be above reproach.

1 Timothy 3:6

[He must] not be a new convert or else he could become conceited [i.e., over being in a leadership position] and fall into the [same] condemnation incurred by the devil.

1 Timothy 4:14

Do not neglect [using] the gift [i.e., of serving as an evangelist. See II Tim. 4:5], which was given to you in response to a prophetic message [or, prediction], along with the laying on of the elders’ hands [i.e., signifying your appointment].

Acts 6:6

[Then] they presented these men to the apostles, who prayed for them while placing their hands on them [to signify their appointment].

2 John 1:11

For the person who greets him [with approval] participates in his evil deeds [i.e., in his false teaching].

2 Timothy 1:6

The reason I am reminding you [of these things] is so that you will rekindle the gift from God, which is in your life through the laying on my hands. [Note: This “gift” was probably his ordination to serve as an evangelist (See 4:1-5), and in addition, may have included a supernatural “spiritual gift” bestowed by the apostle Paul].

Hebrews 6:2

and of teaching about immersions [Note: The use of the plural word here suggests teaching on the distinctions between Jewish washings and John’s and Christian immersion, whether in water or the Holy Spirit. See Acts 19:1-7], and about placing hands on people [Note: This act was practiced in the appointment of church leaders, in healing sick people and to impart supernatural gifts], and about people being raised from the dead and about never ending judgment.

2 Timothy 2:2

And the things that you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, you should pass on to trustworthy men who will be able to teach other people also.

1 Timothy 4:12

Do not allow anyone to look down on you because you are [so] young, but you should be an example to those who believe [in Christ] in your speech, in your conduct, in your love, in your faith [and] in your purity.

Acts 13:3

Then, as these prophets and teachers fasted and prayed [for the two men], they placed their hands on them [signifying their appointment for this ministry] and sent them away.

Revelation 18:4

Then I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you do not share in her sins, and so that you do not receive her plagues [i.e., judgments].

Acts 20:26

Therefore, I [must] declare to you today that I am not responsible for what happens to any of you.

Acts 18:6

When the Jews resisted [Paul’s efforts] and spoke against him and his message, he shook out his clothing [i.e., an expression of rejection and contempt] and said to them “Let your blood be on your own heads [i.e., you are responsible for whatever harm comes from your action]; I am not responsible. From now on I will go [and preach] to the Gentiles [only].”

1 Timothy 3:2

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of [only] one wife, sober-minded [Note: When this word, used here figuratively, is used in its literal sense, it means to abstain from intoxicating drinks], sensible, respectable, hospitable, capable of teaching.