1 Timothy 5:17-25
Whereas the 1st half of this chapter discussed the widows employed by the church for full-time ministry, the 2nd half discusses the compensation of elders alongside a discussion of the seriousness of the role.
It was the elders who directed the affairs of the church, as opposed to one individual 'pastor'. Because of their service in this role (especially if they were preaching/teaching elders), they were worthy of compensation. Paul uses 2 references to make his point:
1) Deuteronomy 25:4
An ox works for you and, therefore, should have its needs met during its labor. Paul is simply stating that the elders work for the congregation and, therefore, should have their needs met as well. This is not talking, at all, about a luxurious salary package. It is talking about making sure the elders are living with the basic necessities. Paul makes this connection more fully in 1 Corinthians 9:7-12.
2) Luke 10:7
Paul seems to be directly quoting Jesus here, which is significant b/c it assures us that Paul considered Luke's gospel to be Scripture. In any case, this quote makes the same point, someone who is doing a work deserves some compensation for his labor.
Paul further protects the elders by insisting that accusations made against them not be entertained unless there are two or three witnesses (minus direct evidence, of course). Those in positions of leadership are frequently targets of untruth, and so accusations should be scoped for legitimacy. On the other hand, if an elder is, indeed, found to be in the wrong, his public position requires a public rebuke so that the rest of the members will take warning. No favoritism or partiality should be involved in any way.
To avoid such circumstances (as much as possible), the process of making someone an elder should be one of great caution. If we are hasty to appoint an elder, and he sins, we share in his sin. A thorough investigation into the life of an elder is appropriate because not all acts of sin or acts of righteousness are easily observable.
It is curious as to how verse 23 connects with this section. It may be that when Paul reminded Timothy to remain pure (from favoritism and partiality, in verse 22), he was suddenly reminded of some asceticism in Timothy that could misinterpret this call for purity. It may be that Timothy, in a quest for purity, completely abstained from alcohol. Paul, here, is advising him that such abstinence is not necessary. In fact, a little wine may be the best means to prevent Timothy's frequent illnesses.
It was the elders who directed the affairs of the church, as opposed to one individual 'pastor'. Because of their service in this role (especially if they were preaching/teaching elders), they were worthy of compensation. Paul uses 2 references to make his point:
1) Deuteronomy 25:4
An ox works for you and, therefore, should have its needs met during its labor. Paul is simply stating that the elders work for the congregation and, therefore, should have their needs met as well. This is not talking, at all, about a luxurious salary package. It is talking about making sure the elders are living with the basic necessities. Paul makes this connection more fully in 1 Corinthians 9:7-12.
2) Luke 10:7
Paul seems to be directly quoting Jesus here, which is significant b/c it assures us that Paul considered Luke's gospel to be Scripture. In any case, this quote makes the same point, someone who is doing a work deserves some compensation for his labor.
Paul further protects the elders by insisting that accusations made against them not be entertained unless there are two or three witnesses (minus direct evidence, of course). Those in positions of leadership are frequently targets of untruth, and so accusations should be scoped for legitimacy. On the other hand, if an elder is, indeed, found to be in the wrong, his public position requires a public rebuke so that the rest of the members will take warning. No favoritism or partiality should be involved in any way.
To avoid such circumstances (as much as possible), the process of making someone an elder should be one of great caution. If we are hasty to appoint an elder, and he sins, we share in his sin. A thorough investigation into the life of an elder is appropriate because not all acts of sin or acts of righteousness are easily observable.
It is curious as to how verse 23 connects with this section. It may be that when Paul reminded Timothy to remain pure (from favoritism and partiality, in verse 22), he was suddenly reminded of some asceticism in Timothy that could misinterpret this call for purity. It may be that Timothy, in a quest for purity, completely abstained from alcohol. Paul, here, is advising him that such abstinence is not necessary. In fact, a little wine may be the best means to prevent Timothy's frequent illnesses.
posted by matthew at 11:20 AM
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