Skeptics suggest a contradiction between Matt. 18:15 ("Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone....") and 1 Tim. 5:19-20 ("Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear"). In essence, it is asked if offenders are to be reprimanded in public or in private.

Haley correctly notes that the first text refers to private, personal wrongs, while the second refers to open, public offenses against peace and good order. Some objectors argue that there isn't anything in the text that would substantiate this distinction, claiming that "Them that sin" in 1 Timothy could refer to acts having nothing to do with "peace and good order."

However, the word "accusation" in 1 Timothy is kategoria. Consider how the word is used elsewhere:

> Luke 6:7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

> John 18:29 Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?

This is a serious criminal charge, which clearly makes it a public offense requiring a different procedure than a private, personal trespass.

Matthew 18:15 outlines the procedure for resolving conflict:

> "if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone."

This is pitted against 1 Timothy 5:19-20, which instructs regarding church elders:

> "Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear."

Critics argue this is a contradiction regarding church discipline. This objection fails to differentiate between private interpersonal offenses and severe public scandals involving leadership. The word 'accusation' in 1 Timothy is kategoria, a formal, serious criminal or moral charge against a public figure, which inherently requires public adjudication and rebuke to protect the integrity of the church, whereas Matthew addresses personal, private disputes.