Biblical Eldership Church Leadership

Paul ’s Instruction to Timothy

regard,” and in certain instances includes the idea of monetary aid. This latter sense appears to be predominant in 1 Timothy 5. Consider the following points: 0 Although the word “honor” (time) itself doesn’t necessarily mean material assistance (2 Chron. 32:33; Prov. 2621; Eph. 6:2; 1 Tim. 621), it includes in certain contexts the sense of material aid (Matt. 1523-6; cf. Num. 22:17,37; 24:11; Prov. 329; 14:31; 27:18; Dan. 11238; Acts 28:10). 0 First Timothy 523 states, “Honor widows who are widows in deed.” The “widow indeed” is a truly destitute Christian widow. The instruction that follows (vv. 4-16) demonstrates that honor ing these widows primarily involves monetary assistance (vv. 4,8,16). A church honors a destitute Christian widow by provid ing for her material livelihood. ° The biblical quotations in verse 18 show that material provision is uppermost in Paul’s thought. The immediate context, there fore, indicates that “honor” involves material maintenance. Bib lical commentator J.E. Huther best summarizes the strength of this point: The 18th verse makes it evident that, if the word time‘s (v. 17) does not distinctly mean reward or remuneration, this idea was prominent in the Apostle’s mind as connected with the honor of which these presbyters were to be accounted worthy. The quotation from the GT. in the first clause as united with the words. . .of the second, and as used and applied in 1 Cor. 929, scarcely admits of any other explanation.29 0 Using “honor” rather than a more tangible term like “money” is in harmony with Paul’s choice of expression for financial mat ters. Paul favors terms that express grace, liberality, love, and partnership: service (Rom. 15:25,27; 2 Cor. 824; 921,12,13); fel lowship (2 Cor. 824; Gal. 626; Phil. 125); grace (1 Cor. 16:3; 2 Cor. 826,7); liberality (2 Cor. 8-9); bounty (2 Cor. 8:20); blessing (2 Cor. 9:5); good work (2 Cor. 928); good things (Gal. 626); a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice (Phil. 4218); seed (2 Cor.

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