The Decision
The decision of the constituted authority within the church/synagogue is binding upon the accused and the
congregation. If the accused is found guiltless, he is acquitted; if he is found guilty and repents, he is
forgiven. But if he refuses to repent, he is separated from the assembly:
―(18) Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatever you loose on
earth shall be loosed in heaven. (19) Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth as touching
anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. (20) For where two or
three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them". (Matt 18:19-20 Para.)
―And if he shall neglects to hear them [disregards them], tell it to the church [assembly]: but if he neglects to
hear the church [assembly], let him be to you as an heathen man and a publican". (Matt 18:17)
If the accused is found guilty before the constituted authorities of the Church/Synagogue and he refuses to
resolve the problem, the entire church/synagogue must be notified that the person has been separated from
fellowship until the problem is resolved and the fruit of repentance is shown by the repentant individual (Matt
3:8).
Accusations against an Elder
Some feel that because an elder occupies a position of authority within the congregation, that there is no
recourse against whom they have an interpersonal problem with because of ungodly conduct. However, this
is absolutely not the case. The elder is still a part of the Body of Messiah and is not above the law that
regulates the behaviour of the elect.
If anyone in the congregation has an interpersonal problem with an elder that does not involve sin, the same
rules apply that would apply to anyone in the congregation concerning this kind of problem resolution.
However, if the problem involves sin and the elder is not conducting his life according to the faith, he must be
confronted according to the rules that govern confronting and disciplining an elder.
Accusations
Making an accusation against an elder is very serious, because of his position of authority and responsibility
within the congregation. Therefore, considerable thought and prayer should be made before making an
accusation against an elder.
1 Tim 5:19-21:
―Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses" (v19).
Y‘shua gives the elders special protection against false accusations because they are in a high profile
position that is easily subjected to criticism; therefore, any accusations against an elder must be absolutely
verified by two or three witnesses and brought to the other elders for investigation and adjudication.
―Them [the elders] that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear" (v20).
Those who are not of the eldership and who repent of a sin when it is brought to their attention are forgiven
and are not to be rebuked publicly; however, the sinning elder must be rebuked publicly, even if he repents.
This is done because the elders are charged with the care of the church/synagogue before YHWH; therefore,
they have a greater condemnation for sin. The public rebuke of an elder demonstrates to everyone that no
one in the church/synagogue is exempt from obedience to the law of YHWH and everyone must respect and
obey these laws.
―I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you observe these things
without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality" (v21).
There is always a tendency to cover up for friends, but the elders are specifically prohibited from this kind of
behaviour. YHWH knew that it would be very difficult to be objective when there are problems involving close
friendships; therefore, he inspired Paul to make his position very clear concerning an elder who goes astray.
When there is a problem involving an elder, personal friendships must be set aside and must not interfere
with the problem resolution process. Any situation concerning an elder must be dealt with in a righteous
manner without partiality.