John Calvin Commentary 1 Timothy 5:20

"Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear." — 1 Timothy 5:20 (ASV)

Those that sin rebuke before all. Whenever any measure is taken for the protection of good men, it is immediately seized by bad men to prevent them from being condemned. Accordingly, what Paul had said about repelling unjust accusations he modifies by this statement, so that none may, on this pretext, escape the punishment due to sin.

And, indeed, we see how great and diversified are the privileges by which Popery surrounds its clergy, so that, however wicked their life may be, they are still exempted from all reproof. Certainly, if one considers the cautions collected by Gratian (Caus. 2, Quest. 4 and Quest. 7), there will be no danger that they will ever be compelled to give an account of their life.

Where will they find the seventy-two witnesses for condemning a bishop, which are demanded by the disgusting bull issued by Pope Sylvester? Moreover, since the whole order of laymen is barred from accusing, and as the inferior orders, even of the clergy, are forbidden to bring any complaints against the higher classes of them, what will prevent them from fearlessly mocking all decisions?

It is therefore proper to carefully observe this moderation: insolent tongues must be restrained from defaming elders with false accusations, and yet every one of them who behaves badly must be severely corrected. For I understand this injunction to relate to elders, meaning that those who live a dissolute life should be openly reproved.

That others also may fear. Why? So that others, warned by such an example, may have greater fear when they perceive that not even those who are placed above them in rank and honor are spared.

For as elders should lead the way for others by the example of a holy life, so, if they commit a crime, it is proper to discipline them severely, so that it may serve as an example to others. And why should greater forbearance be used toward those whose offenses are much more harmful than those of others?

Let it be understood that Paul speaks of crimes or glaring transgressions, which are accompanied by public scandal. For if any of the elders commits a fault not of a public nature, it is certain that he should be privately admonished and not openly reproved.