Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Timothy 5:21

"I charge [thee] in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality." — 1 Timothy 5:21 (ASV)

The mention of “elect angels” in this charge is typical of Paul (cf. 3:16; 1 Corinthians 4:9). Timothy is solemnly charged to keep these instructions without showing any partiality. He is to do nothing out of favoritism. That is, he is not to permit his personal prejudices tip the scales of justice.