1Timothy 5:17-20 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture said, Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
‘Elders’ are anyone that has served God truthfully for many years and has been exemplary in their daily walk (testimony) without any unrighteousness (1Timothy 3; Titus 3; 1John 3).
‘Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.’ Ruling elders, especially preaching and teaching elders are to receive double honour or wages (5:17-18; 1Cor. 9:6-14; Gal. 6:6; Heb. 7:1-10).
‘Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn.’ Quoted from Deuteronomy 25:4 and 2Corinthians 9:9.
‘The labourer is worthy of his reward.’ Quoted from Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7. No one must work for free or expect others to do so. You will bring a curse over your finances when you ‘take’ from others with the intent not to reimburse them. That can even be other’s time that you waste. Remember the golden rule from Matthew 7:12: “whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.”
‘Accusation’ [Greek: kategoria] bring a charge against; accuse (Luke 6:7; John 18:29; Tit. 1:6).
‘Before two or three witnesses.’ This states the law of interpreting Scripture. Every doctrine must be proved by at least two or three scriptures to be accepted as truth and binding upon Christians (Deut. 17:6: 19:15; Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1).
‘Rebuke’ [Greek: elengcho] test; trial; examine; to convince, convict, refute, expose, to bring to shame the person reproved. It is found 17 times and translated as “convince” (John 8:46; 1Cor. 14:24; Tit. 1:9; Jas. 2:9); “convict” (John 8:9); “tell one’s fault” (Matt. 18:15); “reprove” (Luke 3:19; John 3:20; 16:8; Eph. 5:11, 13; 2Tim. 4:2); “rebuke” (5:20; Tit. 1:13; 2:15; Heb. 12:5; Jude 1:15; Rev. 3:19).
Living the Word 