1 Tim 5:17-25, The care and choosing of Elders

• The theme
• Titus and Timothy are Pastoral letters
• These letters expound on church order not church doctrine
1. The greeting 1:1-2
• Not personal but rather formal -- emphasizes Paul's authority
2. Timothy's Mission 1:3-20
1. The task Timothy faced 1:3-11
2. Exhortations 1:12-20
3. Instructions concerning the life of the local church -- "order" (2:1-4:5)
1. The priority of prayer 2:1-7 -- It is good to pray -- we need prayer
2. The primary responsibilities (roles) of the men and women in church meetings (2:8-15)
1. The men have failed to take a spiritual leadership role
2. There is no argument on the capability of women, only where she should teach and lead
3. The qualifications for Church leaders -- Elders and Deacons 3:1-13
4. The nature of the local Church 3:14-16
5. The problem of apostasy in the Church 4:1-5
4. Instructions concerning leadership of the local Church 4:6-5:25
5. Instructions for groups within the church 6:1-19
6. Concluding charge and benediction 6:20-21




1 Timothy 5:17–21 (ESV) — 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. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.


• We have already discuss the high qualifications required to be an elder. Here, Paul alludes to three ministries that we see them involved in, what are they?
• Ruling
• Preaching (exhorting)
• Teaching
• Are there others not mentioned?
• I think shepherding is part of being an elder as well
• In one of the Evangelical Free churches we attended, we divided the church up into elder groups where it was our responsibility to care and keep in contract
• For myself, I do better in one-on-one relationships than I do in groups
• It is hard to be part-time and still serve as an elder
• In this church, the Pastors are elders, but I think some of the Deacons probably function in that role, and then even those who are not called Deacons
• If elders are worthy of double honor, what is the single honor they also enjoy?
• Respect
• Listen to their instructions
• What does "double honor" refer to, at least in the context?
• Greek word, times, honor, value, and price
• Some versions say "honorarium" -- but the point is financial or something of value
• I know a person who bought his Pastor books to show his appreciation
• But it goes farther than honor -- what does Paul also say and why?
• Their character and dignity needs to be protected
• One single attack against an elder should not even be acknowledged
• Having said that, certainly a series of accusations with similar characteristics needs to be investigated
• But if we accept single charges against an elder, Satan will very quickly eliminate the spiritual leadership of the church
• The idea of "persist in sin" is also interesting, why?
• I think this is a bit of red herring. There is no word for "persist"
• Obviously, we all sin, but these are the types of sin they affect the name of Christ. The penalty is public rebuke
• (and not said, but implied) possibly removal from the office of elder
• Why?
• An example of the seriousness of the position is the public rebuke
• But Paul also warns Timothy in this regard, what is the warning?
• We are not to prejudge
• We are not to be partial (which is very hard because we do have conscious and unconscious biases)


1 Timothy 5:22 (ESV) — 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.


• In the context, the "laying on of hands" is probably referring to what?
• The selection of men to be leaders -- elders and deacons
• The selection of elders cannot be based on popularity nor done quickly
• I remember filling out a 12 page paper on my theological views and my testimony when NEBC was considering me for elder
• I was interviewed prior and then I went before the entire board of elders and was questioned for about an hour on my responses
• The sin of others is what?
• It is selecting someone who is unqualified because a person or group of persons believe the person should be or should not be and elder or deacon
• Certainly, the opinion of the body is important, but no group should dominate
• Finally, Paul says "keep yourself pure," what is he saying?
• I really like this quote, and Larson (2000) builds it off of Paul's earlier comment to Timothy to "train yourself to be godly"


The conclusion of the matter? Keep yourself pure. This responsibility can never be delegated. Paul had already encouraged Timothy to “train [himself] to be godly” (1 Tim. 4:7). Each pastor, each professed believer is responsible for his or her own soul in this area. The church and other Christians must help us in our spiritual journey, but we decide what disciplines will become part of our lives.


For example, there may be a wonderful health club just down the street from your house. It may offer the latest in diet plans, exercise equipment, and personal training. But if you do not take the time to eat the right foods, visit the club, or use the equipment, it will not make any difference in your life.


The same is true spiritually. A church can offer wonderful worship services, appropriate Bible classes, and spiritual mentoring, but we must take the personal steps toward growth. Attendance alone will never generate spiritual maturity.


(Larson, K. (2000). I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon (Vol. 9, p. 228). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)




1 Timothy 5:23–25 (ESV) — 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.


• The letter seems to shift abruptly in verse 23 but then continues back on the subject. Why do you think that is?
• I think it is really hard to deal with people especially if you have to deny them something
• Also it is hard to rebuke someone
• Also it is hard to go against the crowd
• => All of these things can lead to physical issues: ulcers, upset stomach, etc
• It is pretty clear the Timothy totally abstained from alcohol
• This is unusual in the society because of the water
• Also, some medicinal applications used wine as well back then
• Here, Paul is telling him to drink some wine. Part of your problem is that you might be drinking bad water. There is certainly evidence that alcohol can help (wine more especially) if it is not drunk in excess
• One other reason for the wine comment may have been the doctrine of asceticism, which is to deny your body and pleasures
• This is also closely associated with legalism
• I think verse 24-25 are still focused on choosing leaders. What is the point?
• Some people are pretty obvious
• Others are duplicitous. But they do not escape judgement. Their sins will catch up to them.
• APPLICATION: I think this is a good warning for all of us. We all have secret sins. We need to confess and repent. We need to change