Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

Paul ’s Instruction to Timothy

HONOR DUE THE ELDERS

The entire section of 1 Timothy from 521 to 622 addresses the proper treatment of various groups of people within the church: older men (521),23 younger men (521), older women (522), younger women (522), widows (523-16), elders (5:17-25), nonChristian employers (6:1), and Christian employers (622). Following a rather lengthy and emotion ally charged section on the Christian’s duty to honor godly widows (523-16), Paul next addresses the congregation’s duty to honor the church elders. That is, he gives further instruction on how Christians must treat one another in God’s household (1 Tim. 3214,15). It is im possible to fully understand biblical eldership without grasping this highly instructive passage: Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning. I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily and thus share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin. No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed (1 Tim. 5:17-25).

HONORING ELDERS WHO RULE WELL AND LABOR AT PREACHING AND TEACHING

In verses 17 and 18, Paul instructs the congregation to care for the economic welfare of elders who rule well, particularly those who

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