Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
Overview
Nine of the seventeen entries readers of OpenBible linked to removing leaders are from the letters, four from the Old Testament, three from Matthew and one from Acts; they are shown in four groups.
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Daniel 2:21, in Daniel's praise of God, says, “He removes kings and establishes them.” Proverbs 29:2 sets the righteous who flourish against the wicked who rule, and 11:14 speaks of deliverance with many counselors. In Exodus 18:21 Moses' father-in-law tells him to appoint capable men as leaders.
In Matthew 18:17 Jesus says that someone who refuses to listen even to the church is to be regarded as a pagan or a tax collector. In Matthew 20:25–28 He tells the Twelve that, unlike the rulers of the Gentiles, whoever wants to become great among them must be their servant.
1 Timothy 3:1–16, with 3:5 also alone, sets out what is required of an overseer and of deacons and says that the women must be dignified. 1 Timothy 5:19–20 says not to entertain an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses, and that those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone. In Acts 20:28 Paul tells the elders of Ephesus to keep watch over the flock of which the Holy Spirit made them overseers.
Titus 3:10 says to reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, and Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account.” Galatians 6:1 and 6:9 speak of restoring with gentleness someone caught in a trespass and of not growing weary in well-doing, and Philippians 2:3 of humility. 2 Peter 2:20–22 says that those entangled again in the corruption of the world end worse than at first.
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.
KJV
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
WEB
He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding.
Daniel blessing the God of heaven, after the mystery of the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar was revealed to him in a vision at night.
Context (BSB)
Daniel 2:20
and declared: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him.
Daniel 2:22
He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.
Furthermore, select capable men from among the people—God-fearing, trustworthy men who are averse to dishonest gain. Appoint them over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.
KJV
Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
WEB
Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able men which fear God: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
In Exodus, Moses' father-in-law advising him, after seeing him sit alone as judge for the people from morning until evening.
Context (BSB)
Exodus 18:20
Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to live and the work they must do.
Exodus 18:22
Have these men judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you any major issue, but all minor cases they can judge on their own, so that your load may be lightened as they share it with you.
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
KJV
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
WEB
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.
Jesus speaking to His disciples, after they asked who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven; the verse continues His words about a brother who sins.
Context (BSB)
Matthew 18:16
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
Matthew 18:18
Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
25But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. 26It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
KJV
25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
WEB
25But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26It shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 27Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, 28even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus speaking to the twelve disciples, after the other ten became indignant with the two sons of Zebedee, for whom their mother had asked the seats at His right and left; this entry runs from verse 25 to verse 28.
Context (BSB)
Matthew 20:24
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers.
Matthew 20:29
As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.
Overseers, deacons and elders, in 1 Timothy and Acts
1 Timothy 3:1–16
BSB
KJV
WEB
BSB
1This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. 4An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. 5For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil. 7Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil. 8Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. 9They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons. 11In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things. 12A deacon must be the husband of but one wife, a good manager of his children and of his own household. 13For those who have served well as deacons acquire for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things 15in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
KJV
1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
WEB
1This is a faithful saying: someone who seeks to be an overseer desires a good work. 2The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching; 3not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; 5(for how could someone who doesn’t know how to rule his own house take care of God’s assembly?) 6not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money, 9holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless. 11Their wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, and faithful in all things. 12Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly, 15but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in God’s house, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.
Show all 16 verses
From a letter written in the name of Paul to Timothy; this entry is the whole of chapter 3.
Context (BSB)
1 Timothy 2:15
Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
KJV
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
WEB
Take heed, therefore, to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.
Paul speaking at Miletus to the elders of the church of Ephesus, on his way to Jerusalem.
Context (BSB)
Acts 20:27
For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.
Acts 20:29
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 20But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
KJV
19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
WEB
19Don’t receive an accusation against an elder except at the word of two or three witnesses. 20Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
From a letter written in the name of Paul to Timothy, after it speaks of the elders who lead effectively; this entry joins verses 19 and 20.
Context (BSB)
1 Timothy 5:18
For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”
1 Timothy 5:21
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
KJV
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
WEB
Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted.
Paul, writing to the churches of Galatia, near the end of the letter.
Context (BSB)
Galatians 5:26
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.
Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
KJV
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
WEB
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
From the letter to the Hebrews, whose author is not named, in its closing chapter.
Context (BSB)
Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
KJV
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
WEB
Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up.
Paul, writing to the churches of Galatia, shortly after it says that a man reaps what he sows.
Context (BSB)
Galatians 6:8
The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
20If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first. 21It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them. 22Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”
KJV
20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
WEB
20For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog turns to his own vomit again,” and “the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire.”
From a letter that names its writer as Simon Peter, in a chapter that warns of false teachers; this entry runs from verse 20 to verse 22.
Context (BSB)
2 Peter 2:19
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.
2 Peter 3:1
Beloved, this is now my second letter to you. Both of them are reminders to stir you to wholesome thinking
