One settled principle of both the Old and New Testaments is the absolute necessity of having two or three witnesses against anyone who is being accused. In Numbers 35 we read: "Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die." v. 35. It was not merely that the testimony of one person was inadequate, but his testimony was unacceptable and not permitted.
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian assembly that he would come again to them, and that he feared there were some there who had not repented of their bad deeds, he said, "This is the third time. I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." 2 Cor. 13:1.
Then when Paul wrote to Timothy he exhorted him, "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." 1 Tim. 5:19. Not merely were they not to accept it as suitable evidence, but they were not even to hear it -unless it were presented at the mouth of two or three witnesses. And this principle holds good in this day in the Church as much as in any previous day. No plausible excuse will justify departure from this unalterable principle. Man is not wiser than God who gave us this word. If I do not have witnesses to a charge, even though I may feel sure that it is true, I am to keep it to myself unless and until the Lord Himself brings it to light.