Thu, 27 October, 2005: Today’s Bible readings.
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Paul is instructing Timothy on how to deal with people within the church, and here Paul tells him about honoring elders.
What do we learn from this?
Paul points out that there are differing roles within the eldership: there are ruling elders and teaching elders. All the elders have the responsibility of ruling, but some also have the responsibility for preaching and teaching as well. The teaching elders are the pastors, and Paul tells us they should be especially honored by the congregation. It is the responsibility of the congregation to financially support their pastor.
To make the point, Paul quotes Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke 10:7, showing that he treats the New Testament books as having equal authority with the Old Testament, even at that early date.
Where is Christ in this passage?
Paul emphasizes the importance of preaching and teaching. He wants the people of God to have the gospel preached to them regularly. We know from all we have already heard from Paul that he wants the pastor to preach Christ.
