1 Timothy 5:22

Lay hands. Paul may be referring either to the hasty ordination of an inexperienced and untried man (see on ch. 3:6, 10) or to the hasty reinstatement of an elder after he has been under discipline. The latter view is more in harmony with the immediate context (see on ch. 5:20, 21). The office of elder was too sacred and important for a hasty admission or readmission of anyone who had not proved himself worthy. The candidate for eldership must first be carefully examined as to his qualifications (see on ch. 3:1–7).

Neither be partaker. If Timothy refused to acknowledge the sins of his elders, he would be shielding sin, and thus sharing in its spirit and consequences.

Pure. The minister, above all others, must remain clean from moral indiscretions. In v. 21 Paul reminds Timothy that no factor, such as wealth, prestige, or personal friendship, should affect his judgement with respect to church matters. The installation or readmission of elders must never be based on any considerations other than the unequivocal standards of ch. 3:1–7.