English
Português
Español
Français
Answer
In 1 Timothy 5:17–25, the apostle Paul provided specific guidance on church leadership. He acknowledged that these individuals were not flawless. However, Paul emphasized the importance of the church recognizing and appreciating the efforts of pastors, teachers, elders, and other leaders who work diligently and serve with integrity: “The elders who rule well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” «Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in preaching and teaching. », (1 Timothy 5:17).
Paul viewed ministry leadership as a position of honor. He previously informed Timothy, “This is a trustworthy saying: ‘If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position’” «This is a true saying, If a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. », (1 Timothy 3:1, NLT). A leader who fulfills his responsibilities diligently and in accordance with Scripture deserves double honor.
“Double honor” signifies not only abundant respect and obedience from the church members but also fair compensation. The Greek word for “double” in 1 Timothy 5:17 means “two-fold.” Additionally, the term for “honor” in the original language implies a price or compensation. In English, the word honor is also associated with the concept of payment through the term honorarium, “a payment for professional services that were not billed.” Paul believed that faithful and hardworking shepherds of God’s flock, the church, should be honored in two ways: with proper esteem and just compensation.
Paul’s intention becomes clear in his subsequent statement: “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain,’” (1 Timothy 5:18).
In one place, it says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and in another place, “The worker deserves his wages.” «For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. », (1 Timothy 5:18, NLT). The apostle argued that if God, in His law, had made provision for the hard-working ox «Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. », (Deuteronomy 25:4), then members of Christ’s body ought to show proper concern for their spiritual leaders. Paul’s second statement, “The laborer deserves his wages” (ESV), closely resembles these words of Jesus: “For the worker deserves his wages” «And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. », (Luke 10:7).
Elsewhere, Paul said, “Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them” «Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. », (Galatians 6:6, NLT). The church has an obligation to protect dedicated leaders from being overworked and underpaid. Failure to adequately support them indicates a lack of honor.
Paul’s use of “double honor” is probably associated with the “double portion” reserved for the oldest son in a family «but he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his. », (Deuteronomy 21:17).The dual benefit of being the firstborn was both respect and financial reward.
Paul worked as a tentmaker to support himself in ministry (Acts 18:3; 1 Corinthians 9:3-18; 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:8) but considered his position the exception, not the rule. Scripture teaches that it is both suitable and essential for Christian ministers to receive financial support from the congregations they serve, just as a laborer rightly deserves a paycheck from his employer.
Paul singled out preachers and teachers, indicating that their work is of utmost importance in the church. Those who fulfill these services in a commendable manner are especially deserving of double honor.
