Verse 19

Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless it can be confirmed by two or three witnesses.

Referenced Verses

  • Matt 18:16 : 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so that at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established.
  • Deut 19:15 : 15 A single witness may not testify against another person for any trespass or sin that he commits. A matter may be legally established only on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
  • Deut 17:6 : 6 At the testimony of two or three witnesses they must be executed. They cannot be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.
  • Deut 19:18-19 : 18 The judges will thoroughly investigate the matter, and if the witness should prove to be false and to have given false testimony against the accused, 19 you must do to him what he had intended to do to the accused. In this way you will purge evil from among you.
  • John 8:17 : 17 It is written in your law that the testimony of two men is true.
  • John 18:29 : 29 So Pilate came outside to them and said,“What accusation do you bring against this man?”
  • Acts 11:30 : 30 They did so, sending their financial aid to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
  • Acts 24:2-9 : 2 When Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying,“We have experienced a lengthy time of peace through your rule, and reforms are being made in this nation through your foresight. 3 Most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way with all gratitude. 4 But so that I may not delay you any further, I beg you to hear us briefly with your customary graciousness. 5 For we have found this man to be a troublemaker, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him. 8 When you examine him yourself, you will be able to learn from him about all these things we are accusing him of doing.” 9 The Jews also joined in the verbal attack, claiming that these things were true. 10 Paul’s Defense Before Felix When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied,“Because I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense. 11 As you can verify for yourself, not more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 They did not find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the temple courts or in the synagogues or throughout the city, 13 nor can they prove to you the things they are accusing me of doing.
  • Acts 25:16 : 16 I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone before the accused had met his accusers face to face and had been given an opportunity to make a defense against the accusation.
  • 2 Cor 13:1 : 1 Paul’s Third Visit to Corinth This is the third time I am coming to visit you. By the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter will be established.
  • Titus 1:6 : 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of one wife, with faithful children who cannot be charged with dissipation or rebellion.
  • Heb 10:28 : 28 Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.