The Office of Overseer

1 Timothy 5:22 

5:22 Paul warned Timothy of the danger of making hasty appointments to Christian offices. One need not call the practice here ordination, but it has all appearances of referring to an approval for ministry such as appears in Acts 13:3. Paul hinted that one who participates in such an appointment shares in the sinful results that can easily follow.

Paul also appealed for personal purity in Timothy. If Timothy faithfully followed Paul’s emphasis, it would assure that he would find leaders of stable commitment for positions in the church. Paul’s awareness of the sins of others may have led him to remind Timothy of the importance of keeping his own life in order. “Purity” involves separation from immorality and also single-mindedness of purpose. Paul’s concern for Timothy’s purity led him to give other personal advice to Timothy in v. 23.

Lea, Thomas D., and Hayne P. Griffin. 1, 2 Timothy, Titus. Vol. 34. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992. Print. The New American Commentary.