Material Support for Elders.1 Timothy 5:17-18.
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching. For the scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and “The labourer deserves his wages.”
Dear People Who Belong to God,
We turn now to matters regarding the leaders of the church. The leaders are referred to variously as elders or bishops. These terms are practically synonyms of the term pastor.
Remuneration (v. 17).The instructions here that some elders ought to receive double honour present a challenge, obviously. The church either had deacons who were charged with the responsibility of distributing material gifts not only to the poor, but also to pastors, or each Christian was expected to share material things with the elders. Whichever way, it is subjective. Christians must be guided by their conscience, but not giving is not an option. There are two markers that can help in this process: Performance. Elders are charged with the responsibility of governing the church. Some do better than others at this and should be recognised through the “double honour” they receive. Preaching. The task of preaching and teaching is the responsibility of all elders. Remember that one of the qualifications of an elder is that he should be “able to teach” (3:2). Yet some “labour in preaching and teaching,” implying that they put a lot of effort into it. Such an effort ought to be honoured.
Rationale (v. 18). Paul derives his reasoning from scripture. Two quotes, one from the Old Testament and the other from the instructions of Jesus sum up the argument and Paul add nothing to them. Restriction (Deuteronomy 25:4). Ancient Israelites usually threshed their grain by harnessing an ox to a yoke that was tied to a fulcrum at the centre of the threshing floor. The ox would tread the grain, walking round and round the floor. The ox was to be left to eat some of the grain as it worked, and not to be muzzled (Those of Lower Eastern Kenya and others like them who muzzle an ox when it is ploughing between rows of maize are not necessarily condemned in this passage. The circumstances are different, as are the outcomes of not muzzling the ox. Let conscience and pragmatism guide the decision one makes about this). Right (Luke 10:7). When Jesus sent the Seventy-Two out, he instructed them to accept the hospitality of those they went preaching to, because “the labourer deserves his wages.” It is the right of those who serve in the kingdom to receive a fair wage. Supporting elders/pastors/bishops is neither charity nor a favour.
It is an obligation on the part of those who are served. Pastors should not be told to “get a real job.” That is an insult to the Lord who called them to his service.
Take the support of God’s servants to heart. A cow that is well fed but gives the owner no milk is begging to be slaughtered!
Your Loving Pastor Chris.