The pressure on the Ephesian church to meet the needs of the elderly who had no family support was enormous. So, able bodied relatives needed to shoulder their share of the burden.
 

The church has always been under attack. One of the most effective ways to weaken a church is to demolish its leadership. Therefore, the elders need protection. It is easy for accusations to be made, especially when the leader stands in the way of somebody’s personal agenda. Of course, no leader is perfect and serious sin must be addressed: but no accusation should be considered by the church unless the sin has been witnessed by two or three believers.
 

In the New Testament, “laying on of hands” is the expression used for appointing people to spiritual office in the church and for mission. The “hands” were those of the apostles or existing elders which physically signified God’s anointing and empowering for service. It was an act of commissioning. As the church grew rapidly it was necessary to have more people share in the leadership, but Paul cautioned Timothy: do not be in a hurry.
 

False teaching is everywhere. It is easily produced and absorbed by ungodly hearts; it is easily available on the internet, TV and even in churches. You know that teaching is false if it does not agree with the teaching of Jesus and the apostles. Paul wanted Timothy to look out for false teachers and keep them away from God’s flock. He said that false hearts would exhibit false motives, which should be evident even before the person starts to teach.