1 Timothy 5:17 - Meaning and Application

Here are directions about supporting ministers. They should be maintained honorably (1 Timothy 5:17). Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, that is, double support, more than others receive. This especially applies to those who labor in the word and teaching, because they work harder than others.

Notice that in the early church, the same elders both ruled and taught. They did not have one group to preach and another group to govern. Some have thought this verse supports lay elders, meaning church rulers who did not teach or administer the word and sacraments. This is the clearest verse that can be used for that view. Still, it seems unlikely, because Paul says those who rule well and those who labor in teaching are worthy of double honor. He also gives no clear notice of such officers elsewhere when he speaks about church leaders.

So the main work of ministers is twofold: to rule well and to labor in the word and doctrine. In the apostolic church, this was the chief task of elders, or presbyters. Those who were not idle, but diligent in this work, deserved double honor, meaning both respect and financial support. Paul backs up this command with Scripture, even with a law that may seem far removed from it: “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain” (Deuteronomy 25:4). The animals used for treading grain were allowed to eat while they worked, so the more they labored, the more they were fed. In the same way, elders who labor in teaching should be well provided for, because “the laborer deserves his wages” (Matthew 10:10).

From this we learn that God has cared for his ministers both under the law and under the gospel. Does God care for oxen, and will he not care for his own servants? An ox only helps produce bread that perishes, but ministers offer the bread of life, which lasts forever. Their support is God’s appointment, for those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14). It is also their rightful pay, just as much as any worker’s wage. Those who would leave ministers poorly provided for will answer to God for it.

Paul then speaks about accusations against ministers (1 Timothy 5:19). Do not receive an accusation against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses. This is the proper way to deal with charges against a minister. First, there must be an actual accusation, not just a loose report or rumor. Second, it must not be accepted unless supported by two or three trustworthy witnesses. The accused should also face the accusers, because a minister’s reputation is especially delicate. Before anything is done to damage that reputation, the charge must be carefully proved, so he is not shamed by uncertain suspicion.

But those who sin openly must be rebuked before all (1 Timothy 5:20). Their sin has been public, so their correction should be public too. This gives a wide enough remedy for the wound, and it warns others who might be tempted to follow the same example. Public rebuke is meant for the good of others as well as the person corrected. Under the law, public offenders received public punishment, so all Israel might hear, fear, and avoid further evil.

Paul also speaks about the ordination of ministers (1 Timothy 5:22). Do not lay hands on anyone too quickly. This seems to refer to ordaining men to the ministry, which should never be done hastily or without careful testing of their gifts, character, and ability for the work. Some understand it as referring to releasing people from church discipline. In that case, the warning would be, do not be too quick to remove church censure until there has been time to see whether their repentance is sincere. In either case, the point stands: if church leaders are too easy, they may end up sharing in other people’s sins.

We must keep ourselves pure, not only by avoiding the same sins ourselves, but also by refusing to approve them or help spread them. There is a warning here against rash ordination and against rash absolution, the quick lifting of church discipline. Those who act carelessly in either matter make themselves partakers in other men’s sins. If we want to remain pure, we must keep ourselves pure. God’s grace makes and keeps us holy, but he does so through our own careful efforts too.

Finally, Paul seems to refer to absolution in the verses that follow (1 Timothy 5:24, 25). Some people’s sins are obvious in advance and lead straight to judgment, while others are exposed only later. Ministers need much wisdom to deal rightly with the many kinds of offenses and offenders they meet. Some sins are so clear that there is no question about bringing them under church discipline. They go before to judgment, as if they lead the way to censure.

Some sins come to light only later. Their wickedness does not show at once, but appears after careful searching. Some commentators take this to mean that some people keep sinning even after the church rebukes them, and they are not changed by correction. In that case, there should be no forgiveness granted too quickly.

The same is true when looking for signs of repentance. The good deeds of some people are clear beforehand. With others, their good is not obvious, but their evil cannot be hidden forever. So it becomes easier to tell who should be forgiven and who should not.

Notice four things here. First, some sins are hidden, and some are open. Some people’s sins are obvious before judgment, while others come out later. Second, the church must deal with sinners in different ways. Third, church discipline has different effects. Some people are humbled by it and brought to repentance, so their good works become clear. Others remain unchanged. Fourth, the stubborn sinner cannot stay hidden, because God will bring hidden darkness into the light and make known the thoughts of every heart.

Paul then turns to Timothy himself. He gives him a serious charge to be careful in his work: “I charge you before God,” that is, before the God to whom he must answer, and before the holy, chosen angels, “keep these rules without partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21). It is shameful for ministers to show favoritism or to favor one person over another for worldly reasons. Timothy must remember that he will answer to God and the Lord Jesus Christ for how he carried out every part of his duty. Woe to ministers if they have been unfair in their service because of worldly caution or advantage.

Paul also tells Timothy to look after his health: “Drink no longer only water.” It seems Timothy was very strict in denying himself comforts, and he often drank only water. Since he was also physically weak, Paul advises him to use a little wine to help his stomach and strengthen his body. The point is not to encourage drinking much wine, since ministers must not be given to too much wine. It is a small amount, used for health, not enough to upset the body.

From this we learn that God wants people to take proper care of their bodies. We must not make our bodies our masters, but neither should we treat them as worthless. We should care for them so they can serve God well. We also learn that wine can be useful for people who are weak or sick, especially when the stomach is troubled. “Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter in soul” (Proverbs 31:6). Wine should help our work and usefulness, not harm them.