Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Timothy 5:19

"Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at [the mouth of] two or three witnesses." — 1 Timothy 5:19 (ASV)

Against an elder do not receive an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.—By the “elder” here we must understand a presbyter—the ordained minister of the Church. St. Paul has been directing his son in the faith, and successor in the government of the chief Asian Church, carefully to watch for, and to reward with dignity and honor, the services of the more zealous and distinguished presbyters.

He now tells him that other matters, besides zeal and successful service among the Church’s recognized officers, will come before him when he stands at the helm of the Church. Charges—due possibly to jealousy, factionalism, or suspected doctrinal error—will often be brought against a presbyter. Such an accusation is only to be received by Timothy when the evidence is perfectly clear. Every possible precaution against simply vexatious charges brought against one occupying the hard and difficult position of a presbyter must be taken by the presiding minister. The reference is to Deuteronomy 17:6.