How does 1 Timothy 5:17 define the role of church elders? Inspired Text “Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.” — 1 Timothy 5:17 Continuity with Old Testament Eldership Exodus 18:25; Numbers 11:16 show elders judged, taught, and lightened Moses’ load. The NT office inherits governance, wisdom, and covenant guardianship. Historical-Cultural Frame House churches in Ephesus (cf. Acts 20:17) relied on a plurality of elders, reflecting synagogue patterns. Honor included seating, voice in assembly, and patron-style sustenance (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:9–14). Core Functions Outlined in 1 Timothy 5:17 1. Governing Oversight Acts 20:28 “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock.” Elders are custodians of doctrine, discipline (Titus 1:5–11), and strategic direction (1 Peter 5:2). 2. Labor-Intensive Preaching 2 Tim 4:2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” Elders must exegete, defend, and apply Scripture, modeling Berean rigor (Acts 17:11). 3. Didactic Instruction Col 1:28 “We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom.” Teaching spans catechesis, apologetics, and pastoral counseling. 4. Shepherding & Protection John 21:17 “Feed My sheep.” Elders guard against wolves—ideological, moral, or spiritual (Acts 20:29). 5. Judicial Discipline Mat 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:1–5 require elders to adjudicate, restore, and if necessary remove unrepentant members. “Double Honor” Explained • Esteem: 1 Thes 5:12-13 “respect… and esteem them very highly in love.” • Material Support: 1 Timothy 5:18 cites Deuteronomy 25:4 & Luke 10:7—ox and laborer analogies justify wages. Elders may forgo pay (1 Corinthians 9:12) but churches sin if they withhold it where needed. Plurality & Equality Nowhere does Scripture commend a lone elder. Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1; James 5:14 show shared responsibility, mutual accountability, and protection against autocracy. Qualifications Safeguard the Office 1 Tim 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9 demand observable character, doctrinal fidelity, and household management—preventing impostors and preserving gospel witness. Congregational Relationship Heb 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account.” Mutual covenant: elders lead, members cooperate; both rejoice. Practical Implications for Modern Churches • Elder boards should devote prime hours to exposition and discipleship. • Budgets must allocate fair salaries and continuing-education funds. • Congregations must defend elders from unsubstantiated accusations (1 Timothy 5:19) yet discipline proven sin swiftly (v. 20). Summary Definition 1 Timothy 5:17 frames elders as spiritually mature men who (1) govern the local church, (2) devote themselves to rigorous preaching and sustained teaching, and (3) are to receive both deep respect and sufficient material support, all so that Christ’s flock is nourished, protected, and mobilized for the glory of God. |
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