1 Timothy 5:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The greatest consolation for the righteous is that both good and evil deeds become known here, and especially there, where everything is laid bare.

Likewise, good works in some are obvious at first sight, while in others they can be noticed only after long observation.

Not all, says the Apostle, sin openly. Some do so in secret. Yet what is now hidden is disclosed in time. Therefore wait for instruction by experience.

“Likewise also good works are manifest.” Virtue always shines, even if the one practicing it tries to hide it. “And those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.” “Otherwise” means what does not belong to the good. It cannot be hidden from those who carefully examine everything.

The Apostle returns to the rule of caution stated above (1 Tim 5:22), which Timothy, and every bishop, must observe when ordaining to the presbyterate. The Apostle notes that the absence of evident sins in one person or another cannot yet testify in his favor and give him a right to the priesthood. On the other hand, the absence of evident good works should not deprive him of that right. Both bad qualities and good ones may be revealed with time. Therefore Timothy must not hasten to ordain such persons until it becomes clear what they truly are.

"The sins of some men are manifest beforehand, going before them to judgment, but some also follow after. Likewise also good works are manifest beforehand, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden" (1 Tim 5:24-25). Here St. Paul the Apostle offers edification to the same disciple, Timothy, also concerning the same caution in choosing men for Church offices. Above, the Apostle urges Timothy to beware of hasty ordinations and first to investigate those seeking sacred offices (1 Tim 5:22). Here he warns and cautions Timothy concerning the soundness of these preliminary inquiries themselves. It is not enough for him to refuse the priesthood to manifest and known sinners.

The Apostle speaks about the obviousness of sins, as also of good works, which sometimes do not appear as such. He probably does this to guard Timothy from possible confusion when investigating the deeds of all entrusted to his guidance. This applies to presbyters and deacons, especially before their ordination, to widows old and not old, and also to all the many others under his pastoral care. He must guide all according to their moral condition and instruct them toward further perfection, according to their strength.

If the harmful consequences of these presbyters’ enthusiasm for asceticism are perhaps not yet visible, they will certainly be revealed in the future. Likewise, someone’s good works, for example Timothy’s, will not be hidden. He received a certain honor without resorting to imitation of the Ephesian presbyters and without seeking popularity in this way.

What has been said about sins also applies to good works. In some people they too are manifest beforehand, known in advance, and go before the person, commending him. In others they are otherwise, that is, they are not manifest and remain unknown. Thus one cannot say at first sight what such a person is, whether good or bad. But, he says, even such works cannot be hidden. Investigate, and you will find them. The history of the election of the holy hieromartyr Alexander from among the charcoal-burners as bishop in the city of Comana presents this with complete clarity. The election took place under the presidency of St. Gregory the Wonderworker of Neocaesarea.