1 Timothy 5:17 ESV

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Timothy 5:17

(17) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.—More accurately rendered, “Let the elders (presbyters) who rule well.” The consideration of the position and qualifications of certain ruling elder women (the presbyteral widows) reminded St. Paul of certain points to be impressed on Timothy connected with the rank and honour due to the more distinguished presbyters associated with him in the Ephesian... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Timothy 5:1-25

1 Timothy 5:24 Prof. Richard Moulton quotes this text in his exposition of 'The Merchant of Venice'. He says that 'the story contains a double Nemesis, attaching to the Jew himself and to his victim. The two moreover represent the different conceptions of Nemesis in the ancient and modern world: Antonio's excess of moral confidence suffers a nemesis of reaction in his humiliation, and Shylock's sin of judicial murder finds a nemesis of retribution in his ruin by process of law. The nemesis, it... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Timothy 5:1-25

V. INSTRUCTIONS AND EXHORTATIONS CHAPTER 5 1. Concerning widows (1 Timothy 5:1-16 ) 2. Concerning elders (1 Timothy 5:17-21 ) 3. Responsibility and personal instructions (1 Timothy 5:22-25 ) 1 Timothy 5:1-16 It is not necessary to follow all these instructions in detail and explain their meaning. An elder was not to be rebuked sharply, but to be entreated as a father, and younger men as brethren. Then he speaks of widows. Those who are widows indeed are to be held in honor. Piety was to... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 1 Timothy 5:17

5:17 {14} Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of {e} double honour, {f} especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.(14) Now he gives rules, and shows how he ought to behave himself with the elders, that is to say, with the pastors, and those who have the governance in the discipline of the church, who is president of their company. The first rule: let the church or congregation see to this especially, as God himself has commanded, that the elders that do their duty well,... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 5:1-25

In this section we are faced with more detailed, practical responsibilities in reference to the various relationships in which one may be found. This is wholesome, sobering instruction. First, a young man must have a proper respect for an elder. It is certainly not necessarily an official elder of which the apostle speaks, for this would leave us with no true application of the instruction for today, there being no authority left us at all for the official appointment of elders. But any older... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:1-25

MATTERS ECCLESIASTICAL & SOCIAL Chapter 5 gives directions concerning Timothy’s management of church affairs, first, as to his behavior towards the older and younger members of the flock, of both sexes (1 Timothy 5:1-2 ). Secondly, as touching widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16 ). By “widows indeed,” 1 Timothy 5:3 , Paul means those who had no near relatives to support them (see v. 4-5), and who were trusting in God (1 Timothy 5:6 ). At this point the apostle turns from the widows themselves to... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:17-20

(17) ¶ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (20) Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. It is very blessed to observe how attentive the Holy Ghost is, that none of his household... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:17-18

The priests, or ancient ministers, (i.e. bishops, priests, &c.) deserve a double honour; i.e. to be more liberally supplied and maintained by the flock, especially when they labour in preaching the word. --- Thou shalt not muzzle, &c. See 1 Corinthians ix. 9. (Witham) --- It is the obligation of the faithful to provide a decent maintenance for their pastors, and the duty of pastors to be content with little. Happy the church where there is no further difference found than between the... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 1 Timothy 5:17-25

17-25 Care must be taken that ministers are maintained. And those who are laborious in this work are worthy of double honour and esteem. It is their just due, as much as the reward of the labourer. The apostle charges Timothy solemnly to guard against partiality. We have great need to watch at all times, that we do not partake of other men's sins. Keep thyself pure, not only from doing the like thyself, but from countenancing it, or any way helping to it in others. The apostle also charges... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:1-99

1Tim 5 TIMOTHY HAD BEEN entrusted with special responsibilities both as to teaching and as to order in the church. Consequently if he kept right and in a state of happy deliverance from these dangers he would be a minister of deliverance to many others. But then this might bring him into a measure of conflict with some. An elder even might need admonition as verse 1Ti_5:1 of chapter 5 shows us, and Timothy must be careful not to set himself wrong in attempting to set him right. The truth... read more