In chapter 5 of 1 Timothy, Paul returns again to a discussion of elders, having finished a lengthy discourse on widows and their care.

Take a look at this week’s passage in 1 Timothy 5:17-18:

The obvious question is why does Paul return to this topic, after having dealt with elders and their responsibilities in chapter three? The answer may be that Paul is now correcting church problems, and not giving job descriptions. After all, he just finished correcting the church’s perception of widows. Now it seems as if there may be a need to adjust the perspective on elders as well. Plus, his use of the word “honor” seems to link this passage with the section on widows, where he uses a similar term, “give proper recognition.”

Paul instructs Timothy on those elders who lead well. He tells Timothy that they are worthy of double honor. There are at least five different interpretations of what this may mean:

• These elders are to be properly honored and properly paid.
• These elders receive honor first because they serve as elders, and second, because they serve well.
• These elders should receive twice as much as the widows receive.
• These elders should receive more pay, not necessarily double, than the widows receive.
• These elders should receive more honor, but not pay, than the widows, or the masters in the following chapter.

The most logical explanation is one that includes payment for their services, in light of the discussion on widows care, and especially in light of the passages of Scripture that Paul quotes in verse 18.

He then qualifies his statement to emphasize those elders who preach and teach. If these elders are spending a large portion of their time leading the church well, especially in the instruction of the Word, then the need for financial compensation makes perfect sense.

Paul reinforces his statement for supporting these elders with two passages of Scripture. The first is from Deuteronomy 25:4, and Paul uses it again in 1 Corinthians 9:9 for the support of those in ministry. The second quotation comes from Luke 10:7, and indicates that Paul views the words of Christ as Scripture. He would have been well acquainted with much of the teachings of Christ, since Luke was a traveling companion of Paul.

Both of these quotations illustrate the point that Paul is making: those men who labor for the church deserve to be supported in the work that they do.

Paul’s instructions here give three distinct qualities that are characteristic of elders who lead well.

They direct the affairs of the church

The idea here is that they manage, just like they manage or care for their own family. This requires a very hands-on involvement in the church they are a part of.

They preach and teach

Not all who manage the church are also the teachers and preachers. But Paul often associates the “work” of preaching and teaching with laboring for the gospel.

They are worthy of double honor

While the context indicates that they are to be financially compensated for their time and work, the term “honor” also indicates that their position as elder deserves respect as leaders.

The point of all of this is not to give a definition of what the elders should and should not be doing. Paul’s concern is with the elders in Ephesus who are carrying a significant amount of the weight of the church leadership. They manage, they teach, they preach, they lead, and in so doing, they may not have the time to provide for their families by maintaining a regular job. Paul therefore indicates that the church should care for them instead, just as he instructed Timothy to care for the widows.

This passage is one of several from Paul that can make a strong case for the position of the paid minister in Western Christianity. Whether or not our version of this “elder” conforms with Paul’s description is left to be decided. However, many churches seem to have this figured out, and view their leaders, both ministers and elders together, as men worthy of honor because of the things they do in and for the church.

How does your church view the elders and/or the ministers? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.