1 Timothy 5:17-18 17The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially the ones who work hard in word and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”
The church should honor elders (presbyteroi) in a special way. These elders are described not so much by their age as by their status as preachers and teachers. Having qualified elders in a church is important to ward off false teaching, such as those Timothy faced in Ephesus. Paul directs Timothy in the second letter to train qualified leaders who could then train the people of the church (2 Timothy 2:2).
Elders would typically have honor in that culture by virtue of their age, wisdom, and experience. Paul wants Timothy to direct the church to give a double honor to those who rule well (proestōtes) in the sense of leading and directing the affairs of the church. In today’s terms, they would “administrate.” The word can also have the sense of a more personal concern and care. Those who do a good job as leaders deserve to be recognized. Honoring them could be a powerful incentive for them to keep improving and do a good job at what God had gifted and called them. Working hard (kopiōntes) has the sense of laboring, which can wear a person out, especially in carrying the burdens of others.
The focus of their ministry should especially be on speaking the word (logō) and explaining it through teaching so that the members of the church both grow themselves and help those in their families and new believers grow in their faith. The word that is spoken here most likely refers to the gospel, which was always the focus of Paul’s attention and efforts. Timothy was also to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2).
It is impossible to know what double honor means. The honor could simply be public recognition in a special way. It could have included monetary support, based on the following illustrations of an ox eating while it threshes the grain, and a laborer being paid a fare wage. The first quote comes from Scripture in Deuteronomy 25:4. The second matches a teaching of Jesus from Luke 10:7. Some early Christian leaders received physical support from churches so they could devote themselves fully to the mission. Others were self-supporting like Paul, who was a tentmaker. However, even Paul received support from churches, particularly when he was imprisoned and unable to work.
These verses give evidence of an emerging group of leaders whose “work” was ministry. Today, ministry leadership has become a profession. In many cases, a local church can support a pastor through the offerings. This support can be a great help but can also become a hindrance if a pastor feels the compensation is not adequate. Hard feelings can develop. With the rise of bi-vocationalism, many pastors work to support themselves while also devoting time and effort to ministry leadership. The topic of ministry compensation needs to be approaches wisely, carefully, and compassionately.
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