1 Timothy 5:17-25 (NKJV) Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
V17 “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” Plurality of elders is the Scripture norm for church leadership. There are two types of ministry, though all must meet the same qualification as able to teach, etc. The two types of elders are those who primarily administer and those who primarily teach. The double honor applies to them because of the greater responsibility and danger of God’s anger if teaching error. Compare James 3:1. All elders should not be required to accomplish more than what they are able. They need time to relax, spend with family, study, do chores, etc. We are not to add unreasonable requests and demands from them.
V18 “For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Elders who work for the church deserve to be paid and helped financially. God bless those pastors who must be bivocational for whatever reason. The Old Testament contains many principles for us today. The quote is from Deuteronomy 25:18.
V19 “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.” This is especially important for elders. Knowing this however does not relieve accusations especially for ANY type of abusive behavior–sexual, pastoral, leadership, verbal, financially, spousal, child, etc. Those accusing must be believed until otherwise. Abusers like to commit their sins in private without witnesses. Beware. Also, never sign a Church Covenant agreement, it will be used against you if you decide to leave a church without the “blessings of the elders.” Also, never sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, because they are used to silence criticism and sins. See https://www.apologeticsindex.org/9573-do-not-sign-church-covenant and https://www.dianelangberg.com/2021/02/non-disclosure-agreements-ndas-and-the-body-of-christ/
V20 “Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” The Greek word for “rebuke “ is (G1651) ἐλέγχω elégchō, which means to reveal publicly and admonish concerning the error/sin. A quote from Wuest’s Word Studies on this verse: “Them that sin” refers to the elders in the context. Because of their public position, they should receive a public rebuke. “Rebuke” is elegchō, “to rebuke another with such effectual wielding of the victorious arms of the truth, as to bring him, if not always to a confession, yet at least to a conviction of his sin” (Trench).” All such rebuke is for repentance and restored fellowship, not to seek revenge. If they are to be restored to eldership depends on their sin. Compare 2 Corinthians 2:6-7. The “rest” refers primarily to other elders.
“There are six sins for which a professing believer should be promptly expelled from the church and treated as an unbeliever.
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- sexual immorality
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- greed — covetousness
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- idolatry — elevating something other than God to the place that only God should occupy
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- verbal abuse — assailing with scornful language, slander, reviling
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- drunkenness — by extension this includes any kind of drug abuse
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- swindling — robbing, extortion, destructive ferocity, ravening, predating, raping, plundering, subsisting on live prey”
[Source: Church discipline for domestic abusers who claim to be Christians: 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 at https://cryingoutforjustice.blog/2024/07/17/church-discipline-for-domestic-abusers-who-claim-to-be-christians-1-corinthians-511-13/ ]
V21 “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.” I charge refers to God and the Lord Jesus who watch all and know all. God refers to the Father. The elect angels are those who in faith and trust obeyed in the day of their testing when satan was gathering angels to rebel. The elect angels became elect angels when they exercised their faith, not before faith. All God’s rules (these things) must be for all people regardless of who they are. There is to be no favoritism for any reason (James 2:9, Leviticus 19:15, Isaiah 65:5, and Luke 18:11). Such excuses churches make for treating pastors differently than others who sin. He is too valuable, too nice, etc. He has been restored (often used when sex abuse is the crime). We didn’t know (usually a lie). That was in the past when he wasn’t a Christian (maybe, but probably not for ANY type of abuse).
V22 “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.” Laying on of hands for healing, blessing, ordaining to ministry or any other reasons. Never lay hands on a demon possessed person, for Jesus never did (Luke 11:14, Matthew 8:16, Luke 4:35, etc.).
V23 “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” What physical ailments Timothy had is unknown other than some type of stomach issues. Wine, here, is used as medicine. It is not “a beer a day, keeps the doctor away.” It is specific. Some examples of benefits: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265635#cancer
V24 “Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.” Many sins are done in private (Ezekiel 8:5-8). There are consequences for either type of sin. God knows and God will expose and punish. See Luke 12:2-3.
V25 “Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.” God knows every motive, attitude, thought and action whether private of public. All elders need to heed this and preach this. Compare 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 28:11, and Psalm 44:20-21.