1 Timothy 5:17
17 Let [axioo] the elders [presbuteros] that rule [proistemi] well [kalos] be counted worthy [axioo] of double [diplous] honour, [time] especially [malista] they who labour [kopiao] in [en] the word [logos] and [kai] doctrine. [didaskalia] KJV-Interlinear
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who
work hard at preaching and teaching. NASB
In chapter three, the
word for senior instructor was bishop, and in the beginning of chapter five,
our word here for elder was used for senior men, or men of advanced age.
However here, the word
for elder is used in conjunction with, rule, and is a reference to the senior
person who is the overseer of the church or organization or study group, the
teacher or instructor, as the case may be.
He is the teacher of
doctrine, labor in the word and doctrine.
Paul seemingly switches
over from the support of widows, who are represented as being in a helpless
state, to that of Bible instructors, worthy of honor or respect. And at first glance it seems to be an odd
transition of subjects.
However, just as in
general, people do not think of widows and supporting them, so too, people do not
think of Bible teachers, and the support that is due to them. Out of sight generally means out of
mind.And free access likewise is
presumed to be free of obligation.
Remember back in
chapter two, when there were several prayer requirements for Christians. One of them was to pray for doctrine and for instructors
to teach it.For without doctrine and
teachers, you would have nothing with which to build a relationship with God
and therefore you would not have a life of any value.
Some might believe that
they can learn on their own, but that is a fantasy and a delusion. If teachers were not required, then the
subject would not be covered in the scriptures.
However, Christians
approach apostasy when they violate several fundamental principles of
Christianity, and this is one of them, support of those who teach doctrine.
Double honor, means
both in respect and in finances.It does
not mean double a wage or salary of sorts, but it does refer to generosity
through giving.And generosity means to
give without hesitation, regret or resentment.
It also means to give through paying attention in class as in an
academic setting.To attend class or
study or church, whichever applies in your case, and to attend on a regular
basis.
The Christian has an
obligation to go to class, listen, learn, and support the teaching of the
scriptures, just as they are under an obligation to participate in the support
of widows, helpless persons, etc.
There is no rate or
formula for giving.In the Old
Testament, the Israelites were under the Levitical code which called for a ten
percent tax for the government, a ten percent tithe for the Levitical
Priesthood, and in every third year, an additional ten percent donation for the
poor of the land.However, that code is
no longer valid, and you are no longer under its obligation. Of course a maximum of ten percent to the
government (for all taxes would be nice these days).
Anyway, in a spiritually
weak society, you will find that the financial support of the church is lacking
among Christians, while the financial support that unbelievers offer to their
false churches, is busting at the seams.
This is one of the many signs that exists or will exist as apostasy
increases in the world.You can easily
look around you and find examples of this principle, and you can also look at
your own life and decide how your beliefs fit into this principle.
Do you feel any
obligation to obey Gods mandate, or do you have a list of excuses as long as
your arm which justify your avoiding it?
Support has nothing to
do with the one receiving the support, nor the amount of the support. It has everything to do with the giver s attitude.
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