Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Lay hands--that is, ordain (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Titus 1:5). The connection is with 1 Timothy 5:19. The way to guard against scandals occurring in the case of presbyters is, be cautious as to the character of the candidate before ordaining him; this will apply to other Church officers so ordained, as well as to presbyters. Thus, this clause refers to 1 Timothy 5:19, as next clause, "neither be partaker of other men's sins," refers to 1 Timothy 5:20. ELLICOTT and WIESINGER understand it of receiving back into Church fellowship or absolution, by laying hands on those who had been "rebuked" (1 Timothy 5:20) and then excommunicated (Matthew 18:17); 1 Timothy 5:20 favors this. But as in 1 Timothy 4:14, and Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3; 2 Timothy 1:6, the laying on of hands is used of ordination (compare however as to confirmation, Acts 8:17), it seems better to take it so here.
suddenly--hastily: 1 Timothy 5:24-25 show that waiting for a time is salutary.
neither be partaker of other men's sins--by negligence in ordaining ungodly candidates, and so becoming in some degree responsible for their sins. Or, there is the same transition from the elders to all in general who may sin, as in 1 Timothy 5:19-20. Be not a partaker in other men's sins by not "rebuking them that sin before all," as well as those that are candidates for the presbytery, as also all "that sin."
keep thyself pure--"thyself' is emphatic. "Keep THYSELF" clear of participation in OTHER men's sin by not failing to rebuke them that sin (1 Timothy 5:20). Thus the transition is easy to 1 Timothy 5:23, which is concerning Timothy personally; compare also 1 Timothy 5:24.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Ezekiel 33:2
1 Corinthians 16:10
1 Timothy 3:10
1 Timothy 4:12
1 Timothy 5:21
1 Timothy 5:24
1 Timothy 6:14
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