Against an elder; whether an elder in years or in office, though the latter being the persons formerly spoken of, seen here principally intended. Recieve not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses; that is, not to proceed to any judicial inquiry upon it, Deuteronomy 17:6. This was a law concerning all elders or younger persons, especially in capital causes, but the apostle willeth this to be more specially observed as to officers in the church, whose faithful discharge of their trusts usually more exposeth them to people's querulous tongues.
Related Commentaries of 1 Timothy 5:19
1 Timothy 5:19
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but beforec two or three witnesses.