Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brothers;
All Commentaries on 1 Timothy 5:1 Go To 1 Timothy 5
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
An ancient man. Here the word presbyter is not taken as in other places, for a bishop or priest, but for an elderly man, who is otherwise to be dealt with than young men. (Witham)
We cannot sufficiently admire the tenderness and prudence of all this saint's counsels. Reproof, under any circumstances, is always sufficiently painful, without being accompanied by harsh and unfeeling words and manners. Age, though not exempt from fault, should always be treated with tenderness and respect.
