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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some they follow after." In speaking of ordination, he had said, "Be not partaker of other men's sins." But what, he might say, if I be ignorant of them? Why, "some men's sins are open beforehand, going before them to judgment, and some they follow after." Some men's, he means, are manifest, because they go before, whilst others' are unknown, because they follow after. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Since the apostle, while discussing ordination, said: "do not be a partaker in other men's sins" (1 Tim. 5:22), Timothy could justly object: but what shall I do if I do not know? In answer to this, the apostle says: some sin openly and publicly, which brings them to judgment, that is, as a result they are already condemned and contempt for them goes before them, as you yourself already know. But the sins of other people do not become evident at once, yet you can uncover them through investigation. …
Oecumenius
The sins of certain people are obvious, leading to judgment; and for some, they also follow. Likewise, good deeds are evident; and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. Since he said above, "nor share in the sins of others," (1 Tim. 5:22) he resolves what was said as if in contrast. For what reason, Timothy would say, if I were to ignore the sins of the one being ordained, would I share in them? …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
When it is clear with what intention they are committed, he calls them manifest sins, and these sins precede judgment. This means that if judgment follows them at once, it will not be rash judgment. But concealed sins follow judgment, because not even these will remain hidden in their proper time. And this is to be understood about good works as well.… On things that are manifest, therefore, let us pass judgment, but with regard to hidden things, let us leave the judgment to God. …
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, some men's sins are manifest, he explains how he should understand the two things he has said, namely, that in condemnation he should proceed without prejudice, and that he should not impose hands lightly. In regard to the first he says, some men's sins are manifest. As if to say: above I said, observe these things without prejudice; nevertheless, you should realize that some sins are notorious and need no examination; but some are hidden and require probing. …
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