Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Timothy 5:1

"Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren:" — 1 Timothy 5:1 (ASV)

Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father.—Two-thirds of Paul’s first Letter to Timothy have been taken up with directions, warnings, and exhortations respecting the public duties connected with the office of superintending presbyter, or bishop, of a church like that of Ephesus. From these directions related to public teaching and official life in the church, the Apostle passes on to speak of the private relations that someone in Timothy’s position should maintain with individual members of the congregation.

And, first, he warns him against a misplaced zeal, which might urge him to inappropriate behavior towards those older than himself. The enthusiastic and ardent young servant of Christ would see with sorrow and dismay the shortcomings of many an older member of his flock, and forgetting to make wise allowance for previous training, thought, and habits, would be likely, unwisely, and possibly unfairly, to find fault. Let him, concerning his elders—for the reference is rather to age than to office, as is clear from the reminder of 1 Timothy 5:2, addressed to the elder women—instead of open rebuke, use respectful and affectionate entreaties, after the manner of a son, not of an official.

The younger men as brethren.—And as regards the younger Christians of Ephesus, let them not be alienated by an assumption of dignity by the chief presbyter of the Church. Let his relations with these younger members of the family of Christ be rather those of a brother and a friend than of a superior in rank and dignity.