1 Timothy 5:17-25
Timothy’s primary mission in Ephesus was to establish leadership in the churches. He was also to teach how to deal with problems in the church. How to treat the pastor would be an important part of these lessons. His teaching would be very important in this, but his example would set the precedent for how pastors would be treated for years to come.
The Reward of the Elder (Pastor)
17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 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 5:17–18
For “elders” in this section think “pastors.” The phrase, “especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” indicates that these are the pastors of the church. Paul wanted these churches to take care of their pastors.
Pastors are to be considered worthy of a “double honor” if they “rule well”. Ruling well means they maintain the order and focus of the church. The double honor could be looked at in a couple of different ways. Some say it means that they should be given monetary compensation for their labor with the respect due to their office. Others believe it to mean that pastors should be paid double the average income of the church. Either way, the pastor is to be rewarded for his efforts.
I can imagine the scenario, a man is ordained as a pastor from within the church. He is laboring, teaching God’s word, and guiding the church. But the church is slow to reward his effort by meeting his physical needs. They may have had a great deal of respect for him, but the meeting of those physical needs was still wanting. Paul is trying to make sure that this teaching was given.
The temptation in some churches, it seems, is to reward the pastor with respect but not care for his physical needs. This must have been the case in Paul’s day as well, verse 18 is all about rewards that meet physical needs in return for labor.
Application
The point here isn’t to make up some pastoral pay scale, it’s to remind that the pastor who is doing the work God called him to should be respected and be rewarded for his efforts in a way that will meet his needs.
Accusations Against a Pastor
19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 1 Timothy 5:19–21
Pastors are humans and aren’t perfect. There may come a time when a pastor will be in sin and need to be held accountable for it. This is a very serious situation, so specific instructions are given.
Require at least two witnesses of an accusation against a pastor. The respect referred to in verse 17 applies here. Require witnesses. This would also help to protect against people with an agenda against the pastor.
Then those who are in the wrong rebuke before all. When a pastor is caught in sin, he must be rebuked. He is to be an example of walking with God, when he is caught in sin he needs to be an example of godly repentance.
Accusations and rebukes shouldn’t be done with any respect of persons. No matter how much you like your pastor, if he is in sin he must be called on it.
Choose Wisely
22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. 23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. 1 Timothy 5:22–23
The idea of laying on hands would indicate that the authority of a local church has signed off on a person as being qualified to be a minister of God’s word.
No pastor should be ordained to service in a hasty way. Give the man being considered time to prove himself before ordaining him.
Lots of prayer should go into it. Men who are unqualified have been the ruin of many churches. This was probably a contributing factor to Timothy’s stomach problems.
In our day pastors still need to be chosen wisely. Allow men who are gifted the opportunity to serve in the church. This will help to train them and give the church a chance to see their character. Don’t be so quick to bring in an outsider. When someone from another church is called to pastor you haven’t had the chance to observe his character. Try to train up from within. There is a lot to be gained from bringing people from within a church into leadership.
God will Reveal Sin and Good Works
24 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. 1 Timothy 5:24-25
God will be just in every situation. You can count on Him to reveal sin and to reward good works.
Your Turn
Church member:
Value your pastor. Try to get to know him and his family in a personal way. Seek his counsel, and value his teaching. Be sure to provide for his needs and if problems come up handle them in a biblical way.
The key in this is to not allow anything to turn into a conspiracy and to not feed a problem until it becomes a scandal.
Pastor:
Care for your church. Be a faithful steward of God’s word and work. Follow the example of Christ so that you can be the example that your church needs.
If there is a failing, confess it.
Seek out someone to be accountable to for your spiritual growth.
