Art Toombs Ministries
Online Bible Commentary
Honoring Preachers and Teachers of the Gospel
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. 24 Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. (NKJV)
In his letter to Timothy Paul is giving special instructions to the “church”, the body of believers. These special instructions were prompted by the spread of false teaching in the house churches at Ephesus, where Timothy was helping.
The source of the false teaching was twofold. The younger widows, those under the age of sixty, were one of the sources.
These women were teaching and spreading false teaching. Paul addressed the problem with widows earlier in this letter.
He set down requirements for overseers (pastors and church leaders) and deacons (servants). He confined these roles to men only.
He also defined how Christian widows should act. Now, in this passage, he addresses the second source of false teaching, some of the elders.
Paul begins by praising those elders who were doing a good job. He writes “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (v. 17).
The word translated “elders” is the Greek word “presbuteroi” which means an older man or a senior. It was the Greek word used for those Jewish religious leaders serving in the Sanhedrin.
On the other hand, the word for an older woman is “presbutia”. Therefore, the term “elder” is specific to men only, as pointed out previously in this letter.
The elders “direct the affairs of the church” (v.17a) and carry on the “work” of “preaching and teaching” the Gospel (v. 17c). Some may direct the affairs of the church, while others preach, and still others teach.
Some may be in charge of all three functions. Some may just preach and teach. So this term “elder” also includes the overseers mentioned previously in this letter.
Those elders who do their work “well” are worthy of “double honor” (v. 17b). This “double honor” is to be rewarded financially and to be respected, as Paul addresses next.
He writes “For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages" (V. 18). Here, Paul quotes two Scriptures, Deut. 25:4 (which is also cited in 1 Cor. 9:9) and 1 Cor. 9:13-14 to support financial compensation to elders for their work in spreading the Gospel. His command to those who receive the benefits is to financially support those who do the work of ministering God’s word, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
After first praising and calling for reward of those elders who are doing good work, Paul then addresses those who do not do good work, the false teachers. First, he cautions to be careful in assessing the false teachers.
Paul writes “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses“ (v. 19). This would eliminate the complaint of someone who might be jealous, or holding a grudge.
Paul continues with “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear” (v. 20). So, when the complaints are substantiated, the false teachers are to be publicly rebuked, so as to bring disgrace upon them.
The hope is that this punishment would be a deterrent to others who might spread false teaching. False teaching is “sinning”, and no sin should be supported by Christians.
Paul writes “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality” (v. 21). This command or, “charge”, to rebuke false teachers comes in the names of “God”, “the Lord Jesus”, and the “elect angels”.
The term “elect angels” is to distinguish between them and the fallen angels, Satan and his comrades. The command is to rebuke false teachers without showing “partiality” or favoritism.
Next, Paul turns to the task of recognizing those who should be elders. He writes “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily (v. 22a). So, he cautions not to be “hasty” in recognizing spiritual gifts.
Paul continues by writing “nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure*(v. 22b). The idea is to not make a mistake in selecting preachers and teachers and therefore be a partner in spreading “other people’s sins”, false teaching. Christianity is to be kept “pure” in its teaching.
Paul continues by writing “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities” (v. 23). As an example of keeping “pure”. Paul contradicts the existing Gnostic false teaching that purity means abstaining from all physical pleasure.
He supports the drinking of wine, in moderation. Not only is it allowed, as are all the pleasures denied by Gnosticism, but it also has medicinal properties.
Paul concludes this passage by writing “24 Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden” (vv. 24-25). We are not to be “hasty” to recognize “elders” because of the nature of both “sin” and “good works”.
Both may be obvious for all to see. But both may also not show up until much later.
Therefore, new converts or those new in the ministry should not be in positions of preaching or teaching. It is a position that should only be conferred upon those who have proven over the years that they possess the necessary spiritual gifts. This recognition today is conferred through the act of Ordination.