Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

5:17 rule. The role of elder (pastor) involves authority, particularly in preaching and teaching. Labor (Gk. kopiaō), translated "toil" in 4:10, implies hard work that makes a person tired. Such exertion in "preaching and teaching" calls for double honor, which could include financial remuneration (5:18). "Double" could imply ample provision, or financial provision in addition to proper respect. worthy. Paul does not actually require that pastors be paid a double amount, but Paul clearly indicates that pastors should receive generous remuneration.

5:18 The command not to muzzle an ox is a quotation from Deut. 25:4, which requires an owner to allow an ox to eat of the grain he is grinding. One who works for something should be able to benefit from it. The laborer deserves his wages is a direct quotation from Luke 10:7 (cf. Matt. 10:10). Thus, it seems that Paul is already referring to the written records of the statements of Jesus (the Gospels) as Scripture. See 2 Tim. 3:16.

5:19 two or three witnesses. Accusations against leaders must not be based on unsubstantiated charges (cf. Deut. 19:15).

5:20 The ones to be rebuked in the presence of all are elders who persist in sin, or who sin in a way that betrays the trust that the church has placed in them as spiritual leaders. Such public rebuke goes beyond the discipline procedures that apply to other church members (cf. Matt. 18:15-20), and it reassures the congregation that disqualifying sin on the part of an elder will not be covered up. As a result of this public rebuke, the rest will stand in fear (of sinning). This refers specifically to "the rest of the elders," but it probably also implies "the rest of the congregation," since the rebuking was done "in the presence of all" (see further Deut. 19:15-21, which also supports this).

5:21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels. Paul presents this charge (v. 20) as being delivered in view of the heavenly court, thus adding a strong note of solemnity. On Paul's inclusion of angels, cf. their involvement at the final judgment (e.g., Matt. 25:31; Rev. 14:10; cf. note on 1 Cor. 11:10; also 1 Pet. 1:12).

5:22 laying on of hands. Setting aside for service, ordination. See 4:14. hasty. If, out of negligence, people appoint unqualified men as elders, they are implicated in the future sin of those elders. Cf. note on 5:24.

5:23 How this verse connects to the rest of the paragraph is not entirely clear. Drinking only water was often indicative of asceticism. In light of the asceticism of the false teachers (4:1-5), Paul may be providing a qualification to the call for purity in 5:22, 24, clarifying that there would be nothing wrong with Timothy using a little wine, emphasizing here its usefulness for the sake of his health (cf. note on John 2:3).

5:24 After the aside of v. 23, Paul returns to the issue of carefulness in the appointing of elders (v. 22). Because some sins . . . appear later, it is important to be patient in assessing potential elders, to let the quality of their lives become evident.