Gregory the Dialogist : The preacher of Almighty God, Paul the apostle, says, "Rebuke not an elder" (1 Tim. v. 1). But this rule of his is to be observed in cases where the fault of an elder does not draw through his example the hearts of the younger into ruin. But, when an elder sets an example to the young for their ruin, he is to be smitten with severe rebuke. For it is written, "Ye are all a snare to the young" (Isai. xlii. 22). And again the prophet says, "The sinner being an hundred years old is accursed" (Isai. lxv. 20). — Register of Epistles, Book 9, Epistle 1 John Chrysostom : "Rebuke not an elder." Is he now speaking of the order? I think not, but of any elderly man. What then if he should need correction? Do not rebuke him, but address him as you would a father offending. — Homily on 1 Timothy 13 Leo the Great : Because, although as a rule there exist among careless or slothful brethren things which demand a strong hand in rectifying them; yet the correction ought to be so applied as ever to keep love inviolate. Wherefore also it is that the blessed Apostle Paul, in instructing Timothy upon the ruling of the Church, says: "An elder rebuke not, but intreat him as a father: the young men as brethren: old women as mothers: young women as sisters in all purity." And if this moderation is due by the Apostle's precept to all and any of the lower members, how much more is it to be paid without offence to our brethren and fellow-bishops? in order that although things sometimes happen which have to be reprimanded in the persons of priests, yet kindness may have more effect on those who are to be corrected than severity: exhortation than perturbation: love than power. — LETTERS 14.1 Oecumenius : Do not rebuke an elder man, but encourage him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity. Paul does not teach any new doctrine, but all things are old. What then does he say? If correction is needed, admonish as a father, teaching with gentleness. For harsh rebuke is severe, especially from a young man toward an elder; through modesty what is severe is softened. younger men as brothers. With common sense understood, to exhort. But therefore as brothers, so that you may recall their rashness to modesty. older women as mothers. Because of the said reason concerning the elders. in all purity. Since even conversations with younger people hardly escape suspicion, you should do this with all purity, that is, not even to the slightest degree of favor. — Otherwise. And not only to Timothy, but also to every overseer he gives advice. On the age, manner, and management of widows. — COMMENTARY ON 1 TIMOTHY