1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,
2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.
older man (v.1) — the Greek word used here is often translated elders, referring to church leaders. Here it refers to those older in years.
Men were not appointed as elders. They became elders by reason of long, mature experience in the Christian life. Bishops or overseers are appointed from among the elders (Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23). It is best, therefore, to take the term “elder” as a designation of a class of men in the church, the older men who by reason of age, character and long church-membership, have a respected and trusted standing in the church. — Wuest, page 77
rebuke (v.1) = to strike at, rebuke severely, chastise with words — used only here in the Bible. The word translated “rebuke” in other verses means “reprove,” “convict”
exhort (v.1) = beg, beseech, entreat
purity (v.2) = chastity — in spirit, manner and act
Stam things the exhortation in question in these two verses relates specifically to the families’ responsibility to take care of their own elderly members and the church’s care of the needy, as laid out in the following verses.