Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Timothy 5:25
Likewise also the good works [of some] are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
25. Likewise also the good works of some] R.V. excellently, drawing out the double article with substantive and adjective which has the best authority of mss., in like manner also there are good works that are evident. See the interpretation on the previous verse, according to which the more obvious departments in ‘the ruling well,’ the ‘labouring devotedly in speech and teaching,’ are here meant.
they that are otherwise ] The such as are otherwise of R.V. renders the generalness of the phrase and makes it clear that ‘works’ not ‘men are meant; such part often the best part of the pastor’s work of ‘ruling well,’ and of ‘labouring devotedly in speech and teaching,’ as does not come before the world.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand – The character of some people is clear, and accurately understood. There can be no doubt, from their works, that they are good people. We need not wait for the day of judgment to determine that, but may treat them here as good men, and introduce them to offices which only good men can fill. The idea here is that their character may be so certain and undoubted that there need be no hesitation in setting them apart to the office of the ministry.
And they that are otherwise cannot be hid – That is, they cannot be ultimately concealed or misunderstood. There are arrangements in the divine government for bringing out the character of every man so that it may be clearly understood. The expression here refers to good men. The idea is, that there are some good men whose character is known to all. Their deeds spread a glory around them, so that no one can mistake what they are. They correspond, in respect to the publicity of their character with those mentioned in 1Ti 5:24, whose sins are open beforehand; for the good deeds of the one are as manifest as the sins of the other. But there are those who are otherwise. They are modest, retiring, unobtrusive, unknown. They may live in obscurity; may have slender means for doing good; may be constitutionally so diffident that they never appear on the stage of public action. What they do is concealed from the world. These correspond in respect to publicity with those mentioned in 1Ti 5:24, whose deeds follow after them. Yet, says the apostle, these cannot always be hid. There are arrangements for developing every mans character, and it will be ultimately known what he is. The connection here, seems to be this. As Timothy 1Ti 5:24 was to be on his guard in introducing men into the ministry, against those whose character for evil was not developed, but who might be concealing their plans and practicing secret sins, so he was to endeavor to search out the modest, the unobtrusive, and those who, though now unknown, were among the excellent of the earth, and bring them forward to a station of usefulness where their virtues might shine on the world.
Apart from the reference of this beautiful passage 1Ti 5:24-25 to the ministry, it contains truth important to all:
(1) The character of many wicked people is now clearly known. No one has any doubt of it. Their deeds have gone before them, and are recorded in the books that will be open at the judgment. They might even now be judged without the formality of appearing there, and the universe would acquiesce in the sentence of condemnation.
(2) The character of many wicked people is concealed. They hide their plans. They are practicing secret iniquity. They do not mean that the world shall know what they are. More than half the real depravity of the world is thus concealed from human view, and in regard to more than half the race who are going up to the judgment there is an entire mistake as to their real character. If all the secret wickedness of the earth were disclosed, no one would have any doubt about the doctrine of human depravity.
(3) There is a process steadily going forward for bringing out the real character of people, and showing what they are. This process consists, first, in the arrangements of Providence for developing their character here. Many a man, who was supposed to be virtuous, is shown, by some sudden trial, to have been all along a villain at heart. Many a minister of the gospel, a lawyer, a physician, an officer in a bank, a merchant, whose character was supposed to stand fair, has been suffered to fall into open sin, that he might develope the long-cherished secret depravity of his soul. Secondly, the process will be completed on the final trial. Then nothing will be concealed. Every man will been seen as he is. All they whose characters were understood to be wicked here, will be seen then also to be wicked, and many who were supposed on earth to have a good character, will be seen there to have been hollow-hearted and base hypocrites.
(4) Every man in the last day will be judged according to his real character. No one, however successful he may have been here, can hope to practice a deception on his final Judge.
(5) There is a fitness and propriety in the fact that there will be a final judgment. Indeed, there must be such a judgment, in order that God may be just. The characters of people are not fully developed here. The process is not completed. Many are taken away before their schemes of iniquity are accomplished, and before their real characters are understood. If they were to live long enough on the earth, their characters would be ultimately developed here, but the divine arrangement is, that man shall not live long here, and the development, therefore, must be in the future world.
(6) The modest, the retiring, the humble, and those here unknown, will not be overlooked in the last great day. There is much good, as there is much evil in the world, that is now concealed. There are many plans of benevolence formed which they who formed them are not permitted to complete; many desires of benefiting others are cherished which there are no means of gratifying; many a deed of kindness is performed which is not blazoned abroad to the world; and many a wish is entertained for the progress of virtue, the freedom of the enslaved, the relief of the oppressed, and the salvation of the world, which can find expression only in prayer. We are not to suppose then that all that is concealed and unknown in the world is evil.
(7) There will be amazing developments in the last great day; and as it will then be seen in the revelations of the secret deeds of evil that human nature is corrupt, so it will be seen that there was much more good in the world than was commonly supposed. As a large portion of the wickedness of the earth is concealed, so, from the necessity of the case, it is true that no small portion of the goodness on earth is hidden. Wickedness conceals itself from shame, from a desire better to effect its purposes, from the dread of punishment; goodness, from its modesty, its retiring nature, and from the want of an opportunity of acting out its desires; but whatever may have been the cause of the concealment, in all cases all will be made known on the final trial – to the shame and confusion of the one class; to the joy and triumph of the other.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 25. Likewise also the good works of some] Though those who are very holy and very useful in the Church cannot be unknown, yet there are others not less holy who need to be brought forward; who do much good in private; and their character and good works are not fully known till after diligent inquiry. These are they who do not let their left hand know what their right doeth.
1. AFTER so long and minute an examination of the subjects in this chapter, little remains to be said in the way of farther and more satisfactory explanation. The whole account concerning the widows, who they were, and what their provision, and what their occupation, and how supported, are to me questions of considerable difficulty. In the notes I have given the best account of the different subjects in my power. If the reader be satisfied and edified, I have gained my end.
2. On the subject of the imposition of hands, or what is vulgarly but improperly called ordination, I have not said much here, having given my views of the subject elsewhere in these notes. See note on 1Ti 3:1, c. I must again state my conviction that what is said on this subject in this chapter, and indeed in the epistle, is rather to be understood prophetically and to have been intended for a much lower age of the Christian Church. That any person should, from impure or secular motives, desire to be appointed to the ministerial office at such a time, when poverty and persecution were the least they would reasonably expect, to me seems altogether inexplicable. But that many, after the Church got accredited and established, and an ample revenue appointed for its ministers by emperors and kings, should wish to get into the priesthood for its emoluments, is a melancholy truth, which every year’s experience testifies. To those who have the authority from the state to appoint ministers for the Church, this chapter reads a solemn and awful lesson. And not to them only, but to all who have the appointment of ministers or preachers in every sect and party. How few are there who would kindle a fire on God’s altar were there not secular emoluments attending it! I am afraid the Scottish poet spoke the truth who said: –
“‘Tis gow’d maks sogers feight the fiercer,
Without it, preaching wad be scarcer.”
Gold or money is the primum mobile through every department of life. Proh dolor!
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
In like manner some mens holy life and conversation hath been so evident, that there needs little judgment concerning them; and for others, under a due government they cannot be long concealed, but by thy due management of and vigilance in thy office they will soon be discovered, by their publishing their erroneous principles, and the breaking out of their lusts into enormous acts, so as they will soon fall under thy censure. Or else thus: The good works of some whose life hath not been so exemplary, but yet such as in charity thou mayst judge them to have the root of the matter in them, (if thou be not mistaken), cannot be long hid, so as thou shalt soon see what they are, and accordingly know how to behave thyself to them. Thus I should choose rather to interpret this text than concerning the judgment of God, who sometimes rewards good works presently, and always rewards them certainly, either in this life or that which is come.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Likewise also the good works [of some] are manifest before hand,…. The characters of some men, on the other hand, are so fair and bright; and it is so clear a point, that they have received the grace of God in truth; and have a rich furniture for the ministry; and are sound in the doctrine of faith; and are men of such godly lives and conversations, that they prevent any formal inquiry, examination, and judgment; and there can be no difficulty in admitting them at once: and therefore the above rule is not designed for such persons, but to guard against those with whom things do not appear so very clear and manifest:
and they that are otherwise cannot be hid; if they are men of bad principles or practices, they will be discovered in time; for there is nothing hid that shall not be revealed; time will make all things manifest; their errors and sins will break out, and be exposed: and therefore it is right to wait a while, and not to be quick in the reception of them into the Gospel ministry; for otherwise, much mischief may be done to the souls of men, and much dishonour brought on the ways and doctrines of Christ.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Such as are otherwise ( ). “Those (deeds, ) which have it otherwise.” That is good deeds not clearly manifest.
Cannot be hid ( ). Second aorist passive infinitive of . There is comfort here for modest preachers and other believers whose good deeds are not known and not blazoned forth. They will come out in the end. See Mt 5:14-16.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Otherwise [] . N. T. o. Not. otherwise than good, but otherwise than manifest.
Be hid [] . In Paul only Col 3:3. The good works, although not conspicuous [
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand” (hosautos kai ta erga ta kala prodela) “Similarly also the good works of some are clear beforehand;” rewards for good works, rewards by men on this earth, are all that some will ever receive. Yet, there are other rewards offered in future life for faithful overt and covert good works, 1Co 3:8; 1Co 3:14-15; 1Co 9:17.
2) “And they that are otherwise” (kai ta allos echonta) “And the ones having been otherwise,” those labors, deeds of devotion, of this life not clearly seen by men, shall not go unnoticed or unrewarded at the great homecoming day, Mat 25:34-36.
3) “Cannot be hid.” (krubenai ou dunantai) “Are not able to be hidden;” Sins hidden (lying, cheating, unchastity, adultery, old grudges) will all be brought out at the judgment, Ecc 11:9; Ecc 12:14; Mat 12:36; Act 17:30-31; Rom 2:16; Rom 14:10; Rom 14:12; 1Co 4:5; 2Co 5:10.
NO ESCAPE BY SILENCING THE MESSENGER
An African chief had done something for which the English government wished to punish him and sent a gunboat for this purpose. A runner brought him word that the boat had entered the river. He had the courier killed. The next day a second runner arrived to tell him how far the boat had come up the river. This poor fellow also lost his head. And the same fate was met by the other couriers who arrived the following days, This did not, however, keep the English boat away nor delay the day of judgment. Suddenly the jungle echoed with thunder of cannon and the huts of his kraal collapsed as if made of cardboard. How do we treat the messengers of God who come to tell us of approaching judgment? We may have silenced them, but the judgment day is coming. You may have silenced your conscience, grieved the Holy Spirit, left unopened the Holy Bible, and turned your back to your Christian friends – but the judgment day is coming.
-The Sunday School Times
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
25 In like manner also the good works He means, that sometimes piety and other virtues obtain early and speedily their applause among men; so that great men are held in estimation; and that, if it happen otherwise, the Lord will not suffer innocence and uprightness to be always oppressed; for it is often obscured by calumnies, or by clouds, but at length shall be fulfilled the prediction, (Dan 12:3; Mat 13:43,) that God will cause them to shine forth like the dawn of the day. But we have need of a calm spirit to endure; and therefore we must always consider what is the limit of our knowledge, that we may not go beyond it; for that would be to assume to ourselves the prerogative of God.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(25) Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.In his difficult post Timothy might fear lest, especially in his selection of men for the Lords service, true nobility of character might not unfrequently escape his notice and be overlooked, and that thus the best and truest might never be enrolled on the register of church officers. St. Paul bids him take courage in the thought that in many a case self-sacrifice, generosity, stern principle, will be sufficiently manifest to guide him in his choice of fit persons for the holy calling; and in those rarer cases where the higher and sweeter virtues are hidden, he may be sure that in Gods good season these too will become known to him, in ample time for him to call them also into his Masters service.
EXCURSUS ON NOTES TO I. TIMOTHY.
ON A SUGGESTED INTERPRETATION OF CHAPTER 5:25.
IT has been suggested, with considerable ingenuity, that 1Ti. 5:25 belongs to, and is an introduction of, a new division of the Epistle, where the Apostle gives Timothy instructions respecting certain teachings to be addressed to different ranks in the Christian society of Ephesus. The connection with 1Ti. 5:24 then would beas it is in the case of sins, so, too, it is in the case of good works. These latter are not always on the surface distinguishable. Some, of course, are manifest, but there is many a noble life the secrets of which will only come to light at the last daythey cannot be hid THEN. And this is too often the case with that unhappy class (the slaves), those under the yoke, of whom the Apostle was about to speak (1Ti. 6:1-2). It is possible that St. Paul meant here to turn Timothys attention especially to those in slavery, that he might diligently search out the noblest and most devoted, and ordain (see 1Ti. 5:22) them to perform sacred duties, so that each classthe slaves as well as the rich and well-bornshould possess representatives among the ordained ministers. This is at least possible when we consider the vast number of slavesnot a few of them, too, possessing high culturein the world known by St. Paul and Timothy.
In connection with, but not necessarily linked with, this thought is an interpretation of the general subject matter of the sixth chapter, which views the whole as instructions to the three broad divisions into which Christian society of the first century may be said to have been roughly divided:
(1) SLAVES . . .
1Ti. 5:25 to 1Ti. 6:3. Instructions respecting slaves, who possessed nothing of their own.
1Ti. 6:4-5. The allusion to the false teachers, whose teaching respecting slavery was very different from his.
(2) MIDDLE CLASS.
1Ti. 6:6-16. St. Paul introduces the warning against covetousness and the wish to be rich, the special danger of the middle classthe free, but who were the reverse of wealthyto which order Timothy belonged. Then followed
(3) THE RICH
1Ti. 6:17-19. Special instructions to the rich and the highly horn.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
25. Also the good works Which are the well-known antecedents of some, are manifest beforehand; so that the trial will be only matter of form. The characters of the men refute the charges. They, the good deeds, that are otherwise than previously manifest, cannot be hid; they will come out at last.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘In the same way also there are good works which are evident, and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.’
And the same applies to a man’s ‘good works’. In some they are apparent immediately, in others they will be revealed, but only later, for in the nature of things they cannot finally not come to light. It is often the case that the person who seems (because possibly of diffidence) to have few talents, turns out to be the brightest star. Many a great speaker is also basically shy. The principle is clear, a man cannot always be judged by what he is at present. Careful discernment needs to be made, with the help of prayer, so as to detect what he might become in the future, both as regards sin and as regards quality.
Thus in the light of all this how important it is to use discerning judgment in all appointments, and especially when appointing elders. Lack of discernment could not only bring later disappointment and heartache, it could also result in hidden spiritual talents not being discerned. It is a reminder of how much prayer should go into such decisions, and how necessary it is to discern what lies underneath.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Ti 5:25 supplements 1Ti 5:24 , the distinction between manifest and hidden being applied to good works.
] It may be supposed from what precedes that is to be supplied here. But it is improbable that Paul was thinking definitely of this, otherwise the clause following would have received another form. Hofmann maintains that the Rec. is the original reading, taking the words as a complete clause, and explaining by: “there are manifest (ones).” This purely arbitrary view needs no refutation. The assertion that the apostle could not say that the good works were manifest, is contradicted by the addition of the necessary restriction in the next words.
is not to be referred to , but to : the good works with which it is different, i.e. which are not .
] “can, however, not remain continually hidden;” they will likewise become manifest on a careful . 1Ti 5:24 was a warning against showing favour too hastily; this verse is a warning against condemning too hastily.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
REFLECTIONS
READER! behold how venerable, in the sight of God the Spirit, are the hoary saints considered, when we see such a charge given concerning them. Blessedly God hath said, even to your old age, I am he, and even to hoar hairs will I carry you! And, therefore, the Lord, who watches over them himself, will have no rebuke given them from others. Our fathers in the Church, and our mothers in Israel, are counted worthy of double honor, when the hoary head is found in the righteousness of Christ.
And blessed are those Ministers and Stewards of God’s mysteries which labor in the word and doctrine, who do nothing by partiality, but view all the members of Christ’s mystical body, equally entitled to their good offices, and to their affection, without preferring one before another. Lord make all thy servants faithful, and let thy people praise thee, that God in all things may be glorified in, and through Jesus Christ.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Ver. 25. Cannot be hid ] As putrid hypocrisy shall be detected (for the name of the wicked must rot), so wronged innocence shall be cleared, as the eclipsed moon wades out of the shadow, and recovers her splendour.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
25 .] So also (in like manner on the other side of men’s conduct) the good works ( of some ) are openly manifest: and those which are otherwise situated (which are not ) cannot be hidden (will come out, just as the sins in 1Ti 5:24 , on examination. The tendency of this verse is to warn him against hasty condemnation, as the former had done against hasty approval. Sometimes thou wilt find a man’s good character go before him, and at once approve him to thee: but where this is not so, do not therefore be rash to condemn thou mayest on examination soon discover, if there really be any good deeds accompanying him: for they are things which cannot be hidden the good tree like the bad will be known by his fruits, and that speedily, on enquiry). I have abstained from detailing all the varieties of interpretation of these verses, following as they do those already specified on 1Ti 5:20-22 . They may be seen shortly enumerated in De W. and Ellicott, and commented on at somewhat tedious length in Wiesinger. Chrys., al., confuse the context by understanding of eternal judgment, and the sentiment as equivalent to . And so even Ellicott, who in objecting to the above interpretation (which is also Bp. Wordsworth’s) charges it somewhat navely with failure in explaining the context . That it only does explain it satisfactorily, is, in my view, the decisive consideration in its favour.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Ti 5:25 . here, as in chap. 1Ti 2:9 , naturally introduces an antithesis to what has gone before; and this determines the meaning of ; not as which are not , but as which are not ; and justifies the R.V. rendering, There are good works that are evident . The next clause is parallel to the corresponding part of 1Ti 5:24 : Sins and good works alike cannot be successfully and indefinitely concealed; they follow are disclosed some time or other in justification of the of men. The literal rendering in R.V. [289] ., The works that are good are evident , could only be defended by laying emphasis on , “good in appearance as well as in reality”; but is of frequent occurrence in these epistles without any such special signification; see on 1Ti 3:1 ; and this rendering deprives of any force. Von Soden thinks that we have here a reference to the sayings in Mat 5:14-16 .
[289] Speculum
also. Should follow works.
manifest beforehand. Same as “open beforehand”,
otherwise. Greek. adds. Only here.
cannot = are not (App-105) able to.
25.] So also (in like manner on the other side of mens conduct) the good works (of some) are openly manifest: and those which are otherwise situated (which are not ) cannot be hidden (will come out, just as the sins in 1Ti 5:24, on examination. The tendency of this verse is to warn him against hasty condemnation, as the former had done against hasty approval. Sometimes thou wilt find a mans good character go before him, and at once approve him to thee: but where this is not so, do not therefore be rash to condemn-thou mayest on examination soon discover, if there really be any good deeds accompanying him: for they are things which cannot be hidden-the good tree like the bad will be known by his fruits, and that speedily, on enquiry). I have abstained from detailing all the varieties of interpretation of these verses, following as they do those already specified on 1Ti 5:20-22. They may be seen shortly enumerated in De W. and Ellicott, and commented on at somewhat tedious length in Wiesinger. Chrys., al., confuse the context by understanding of eternal judgment, and the sentiment as equivalent to . And so even Ellicott, who in objecting to the above interpretation (which is also Bp. Wordsworths) charges it somewhat navely with failure in explaining the context. That it only does explain it satisfactorily, is, in my view, the decisive consideration in its favour.
1Ti 5:25. , the works that are otherwise) Those which are not beforehand manifest. The saying, which is found at Ecc 8:14, is remarkable, and should in the present day be especially attended to.- be hid) long.- , cannot) although they who do them may often wish to keep them concealed.
—–
1Ti 5:25
In like manner also there are good works that are evident;-[The same is true of the good deeds of some; they are of so public a character that everyone around them sees and knows them.]
and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.-[Those not good cannot be permanently concealed.]
the good: 1Ti 3:7, Mat 5:16, Act 9:36, Act 10:22, Act 16:1-3, Act 22:12, Gal 5:22, Gal 5:23, Phi 1:11
cannot: Psa 37:5, Psa 37:6, Mat 6:3-6, Luk 11:33
Reciprocal: Pro 31:31 – and let Mar 7:24 – and would Luk 5:15 – so Act 16:2 – was Eph 2:10 – good 1Ti 5:10 – good
1Ti 5:25. This verse has the same meaning as the preceding one, except that it is about the actions of good men instead of evil. A righteous man’s good deeds are not always realized at first, but they will become known finally; they cannot always be hid. The truths of these two verses show why an evangelist should not be too hasty in forming his verdict concerning an accused elder.
1Ti 5:25. They that are otherwise cannot be hid. The previous verse had been directed against hasty acceptance or acquittal. This is against hasty condemnation or rejection. In some cases a mans good deeds are clear and patent, in others meliora latent. Better than the seen lies hid, but that, too, cannot be hid for long. Enquiry will bring it to the light of day in spite even of the wish or humility of the doer. If we inquire carefully, and have the gift of insight, we shall find out before long what men are and what they have been doing.
Verse 25
Cannot be hid; cannot long be hid. The meaning of the 1 Timothy 5:24,25 is, that, though sin may be secreted for a time, and virtue remain unobserved, yet in the end the true character of every one will be fully known.
5:25 {21} Likewise also the good works [of some] are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
(21) Another comfort belonging to them, who are sometimes slandered and misreported.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes