1-timothy 5:24
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
American Standard Version (ASV)
Some men's sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
The sins of some men are clearly seen, going before them to be judged; but with others, their sins go after them.
Webster's Revision
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment: and some men they follow after.
World English Bible
Some men's sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later.
English Revised Version (ERV)
Some men's sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after.
Clarke's 1-timothy 5:24 Bible Commentary
Some men's sins are open beforehand - In appointing men to sacred offices in the Church, among the candidates Timothy would find,
1. Some of whom he knew nothing, but only that they professed Christianity; let such be tried before they are appointed.
2. Some of whose faith and piety he had the fullest knowledge, and whose usefulness in the Church was well known.
3. Some whose lives were not at all or but partially reformed, who were still unchanged in their hearts, and unholy in their lives.
The sins of these latter were known to all; they go before to judgment; with them he could have no difficulty. With the first class he must have more difficulty; there might have been hypocrites among them, whose sins could not be known till after they were brought into the sacred office. The characters of all should be fully investigated. The sins of some, before this investigation, might be so manifest as to lead at once εις κρισιν to condemnation. The sins of others might be found out after, or in consequence of, this investigation; and those that were otherwise could not be long hid from his knowledge, or the knowledge of the Church. On all these accounts the exhortation is necessary: Lay hands suddenly on no man.
Barnes's 1-timothy 5:24 Bible Commentary
Some men's sins are open beforehand - This declaration, though it assumes a general form, is to be taken evidently in connection with the general subject of introducing men to the ministry 1 Timothy 5:22; and 1 Timothy 5:23 is to be regarded as a parenthesis. The apostle had given Timothy a charge 1 Timothy 5:22 respecting the character of those whom he should ordain. He here says, in reference to that, that the character of some people was manifest. There was no disguise. It was evident to all what it was, and there could be no danger of mistake respecting it. Their conduct was apparent to all. About such people he ought not to hesitate a moment, and, no matter what their talents, or learning, or rank in the community, he ought to have no participation in introducing them to the ministry.
Going before to judgment - Their character is well understood. There is no need of waiting for the day of judgment to know what they are. Their deeds so precede their own appearance at the judgment-bar, that the record and the verdict can be made up before they arrive there, and there will be scarcely need even of the formality of a trial. The meaning here is, that there could be no doubt about the character of such people, and Timothy should not be accessory to their being introduced into the office of the ministry.
And some men they follow after - That is, their character is not fully understood here. They conceal their plans. They practice deception. They appear different from what they really are. But the character of such people will be developed, and they will be judged according to their works. They cannot hope to escape with impunity. Though they have endeavored to hide their evil deeds, yet they will follow after them to the judgment-bar, and will meet them there. The meaning, in this connection, seems to be, that there ought to be circumspection in judging of the qualifications of men for the office of the ministry. It ought not to be inferred from favorable appearances at once, or on slight acquaintance, that they are qualified for the office - for they may be of the number of those whose characters, now concealed or misunderstood, will be developed only on the final trial.
Wesley's 1-timothy 5:24 Bible Commentary
5:24 Some men's sins are manifest beforehand - Before any strict inquiry be made. Going before to judgment - So that you may immediately judge them unworthy of any spiritual office. And some they - Their sins.Follow after - More covertly.