The Ministry Of Elders
THE MINISTRY OF ELDERS
1 TIMOTHY 5:17-25
Paul doesn’t share the thought that “preachers are six days invisible and one day incomprehensible.” Those who preach and teach are worthy of special consideration.
The exact functions of the elders are not set out in the New Testament. But we may assume that they were not dissimilar to those exercised by the synagogue elders, in which case the elders were the responsible local officials. Here we learn that they (or at least some of them) “ruled” and that some labored “in preaching and teaching.” The implication from the latter statement is that some did not preach or teach. They were to be remunerated for their work (5:18), and treated with respect, not lightly to be accused (5:19). But this does not mean that they were not to be accused under any circumstances. They might on occasion do wrong, and the persistent sinner must be rebuked publicly (5:20). Precisely because they were leaders and very much in the public eye, wrongdoing on their part must not be condoned. So Timothy is warned against partiality (5:21).
In its context the reference to “the laying on of hands” (5:22) must refer to ordination (see also 4:14). This is a very important act and must be exercised with due care. To ordain someone who is not worthy is to be responsible for the harm that will follow; it means participating in the sins of another. At the end of this passage another aspect of sin is emphasized, namely, that in the end sin will come out. Sometimes sin appears hidden, sometimes obvious. But nothing can prevent its final disclosure. It is comforting to reflect that the same is true of goodness (5:25).
There is a little health note (5:23). The ancients did not know that germs in the water supply could cause disease, and they were ignorant of the fact that the alcohol in wine killed them. But they normally drank nothing but water or wine, and they observed that people who drank water only sometimes got diseases that those who used wine did not. It is this which is behind Paul’s instruction. In our day, when there are many drinks and when the causes of sickness are better known, it is possible to obtain the required result without resorting to the use of wine.
Notes 5:17: “honor” is usually taken to mean or at least include the thought of remuneration. 5:18: note the linking as “Scripture” of verses from Deuteronomy 25:4 and Matthew 10:10 (or Luke 10:7).
Thought The ministry especially worthy of “double honor” (5:17) is that of preaching and teaching. Consider the implications of this fact.