rule. Seo 1 Timothy 3:4 . be counted worthy. Greek. axioo . See Acts 15:38 . double . Greek. diplous . Only here; Matthew 23:15 (compar.) Revelation 18:6 . in , App-104 . word. App-121 . read more
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in the teaching.All of the elders were "apt to teach" by definition, and all were associated together in the rulership of the church; and therefore there is no distinction here between so-called classes of "elders," a conceit that finally issued in the development of the monarchical bishop of later ages. Timothy had just been instructed to show the proper regard and respect to all elderly... read more
1 Timothy 5:17. Let the elders, &c.— The apostle proceeds to give directions concerning elders, and that under three heads: First, with respect to the provision which the church was to make for them, especially for the diligent among them. Secondly, with respect to Timothy's reproving them, which was not to be done but upon good evidence; and, if well attested, it was to be done publicly, for a warning to others. This being an ungratefulwork, he charges it upon Timothy in the most solemn... read more
17. The transition from the widow presbyteresses (1 Timothy 5:9) to the presbyters here, is natural. rule well—literally, "preside well," with wisdom, ability, and loving faithfulness, over the flock assigned to them. be counted worthy of double honour—that is, the honor which is expressed by gifts (1 Timothy 5:3; 1 Timothy 5:18) and otherwise. If a presbyter as such, in virtue of his office, is already worthy of honor, he who rules well is doubly so [WIESINGER] (1 Corinthians 9:14; Galatians... read more
C. How to deal with widows and elders 5:3-25Paul now addressed how Timothy was to deal with two main problem areas in the Ephesian church, the younger widows and the erring elders. read more
IV. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING LEADERSHIP OF THE LOCAL CHURCH 4:6-5:25Paul proceeded to give some specific instruction about leadership of the church. This included direction concerning the leader’s personal life and public ministry, basic principles of effective interpersonal relationships, and the proper treatment of widows and elders. read more
It is clear that the elders Paul referred to in this section were the church overseers and not just any older men in the congregation. Paul had already given the qualifications for these officers (1 Timothy 3:1-7) and now he described them as ruling, preaching, and teaching. From this verse we learn that the overall duty of the elders was ruling the church in the sense of directing its affairs and giving oversight to all its activities (cf. 1 Peter 5:1-4).What were the single and double honor... read more
2. The discipline and selection of elders 5:17-25Another group in the church deserved Timothy’s special attention. Therefore Paul gave instructions concerning the care of elders to his young legate to enable him to deal with present and potential elders properly.The structure of this pericope is similar to that of the previous paragraph dealing with widows. In both sections Paul began by showing genuine concern ("honor," 1 Timothy 3:3) for the care of those in the group. He then proceeded to... read more
Regarding Widows and Accusations against Elders1. Rebuke] This shows the authority which Timothy exercised. An elder] i.e. an elderly man, not one officially so named.3-16. The seventh charge to Timothy—as to widows.3. Widows indeed] Each local Church kept a list of the widows belonging to the congregation, who were supported by the alms of the faithful if they were widows indeed, that is, if they had none to help them (1 Timothy 5:4-5). In return, they did what services they could to the... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Timothy 5:17-25
Church elders and Timothy himself (5:17-25)The church members should recognize the valuable service that the elders give and should reward them generously (17-18). Any accusation of wrongdoing against elders must be supported by witnesses. If they are shown to be guilty, they should be rebuked publicly, since their position as leaders in the church makes their sin the more serious (19-20).Timothy is reminded not to show favouritism nor to act hastily in appointing people to positions of... read more