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1 Timothy 5:1
Rebuke not an elder, but intreathim as a father;and the younger men as brethren;

rule.

1 Timothy 3:5
(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Matthew 24:25
Behold, I have told you before.

Luke 12:42
And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whomhis lord shall make ruler over his household, to givethem their portion of meat in due season?

be.

1 Timothy 5:3
Honour widows that are widows indeed.

Acts 28:10
Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they ladedus with such things as were necessary.

Romans 15:27
It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

double.

2 Kings 2:9
And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.

Isaiah 40:2
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.

Jeremiah 16:18
And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.

labour.

1 Timothy 4:10
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Matthew 9:37,38
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest trulyis plenteous, but the labourersare few; …

Luke 10:1,2,7
After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come…

word.

1 Timothy 4:6,16
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained…

are worthy of double honor
"Double honor" suggests both respect and financial support. In the cultural context of the time, honor was a significant social currency, and providing for leaders was a practical expression of this honor. This principle is echoed in1 Corinthians 9:14, where Paul states that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. The dual aspect of honor underscores the value of their spiritual labor.

especially those who work hard
The phrase highlights the diligence required in ministry. The Greek term for "work hard" implies laboring to the point of exhaustion, indicating the dedication expected of church leaders. This reflects the broader biblical theme of perseverance in ministry, as seen in2 Timothy 4:2, where Timothy is urged to preach the word with patience and careful instruction.

at preaching and teaching
Preaching and teaching are central to the role of elders, focusing on proclaiming the gospel and instructing believers in sound doctrine. This dual role is crucial for the spiritual growth and maturity of the church, as seen inEphesians 4:11-13, where the purpose of such gifts is to equip the saints for ministry and build up the body of Christ. The emphasis on teaching aligns with Jesus' Great Commission inMatthew 28:19-20, where making disciples involves teaching them to obey His commands.

“Elders who lead effectively…” (1 Timothy 5:17)

• In the New Testament church, “elders” (Acts 14:23) are spiritually mature men appointed to shepherd, guard, and oversee local congregations (Acts 20:17, 28;Titus 1:5–7).

• They model Christlike character (1 Peter 5:1-2) and share responsibility for praying over the sick (James 5:14) and settling doctrinal or relational issues (Acts 15:6).

“…who lead effectively…”

• Scripture expects elders to “shepherd the flock of God…not lording it over those entrusted” (1 Peter 5:2-3) but guiding by example.

• Leading “effectively” (or “well”) means faithfulness, clarity, and consistency—mirroringHebrews 13:7, 17, where believers are urged to imitate leaders who “speak the word of God” and watch over souls.

• Effective leadership protects the church from error (Acts 20:28-31) and nurtures unity in love (Ephesians 4:11-13).

“…are worthy of double honor…”

• “Honor” includes respect (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) and material support, as Paul shows when he links honor for widows to tangible provision just a few verses earlier (1 Timothy 5:3).

• “Double” conveys abundant appreciation—recognizing both the office and the sacrificial service performed.

•Galatians 6:6 echoes this: “The one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who instructs him”.

“…especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”

• Among elders, those devoted to the Word deserve special consideration because their labor sustains the church’s spiritual health (Acts 6:4;2 Timothy 4:2).

• The phrase “work hard” highlights diligent study, prayer, and proclamation—often unseen effort that guards doctrine (Titus 1:9) and equips believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

•James 3:1 soberly reminds that teachers “will incur a stricter judgment,” underscoring both the weight of the task and the need for the body to uphold them generously.

Paul instructs Timothy that elders who carry out their calling with excellence deserve more than casual acknowledgment. God’s design is that a faithful congregation:

• Recognizes mature, qualified men as elders.

• Values leadership that mirrors Christ’s shepherd-heart.

• Responds with doubled respect and generous support.

• Gives particular honor to those who pour themselves into preaching and teaching, for through their labor the church is fed, grounded, and protected.

Attention should be directed here to the vast powers intrusted to the "presiding presbyter" of such a Church as Ephesus (to use thetitle of Bishop in the ecclesiastical sense would be as yet an anachronism. It probably was, however, of general use within thirty years from the date of the Epistle, certainly before the close of the century). In addition to the general office of supervisor, one in the position of Timothy evidently had the distribution of the several grades of honours and remuneration among the presbyteral order (1Timothy 5:17;1Timothy 5:21). To him, as presiding elder, belonged the functions of supreme judge in all matters ecclesiastical and moral, relating to the varied officials of both sexes connected with the Church. The right of ordination which, when the Apostles and the first generation of believers had passed away, became theexclusive work of the bishop, is here (see1Timothy 5:22) specially intrusted by an Apostle to Timothy, the chief presbyter and apostolic representative in the Church of Ephesus, in the words: "Lay hands suddenly on no man."

The elders (presbyters) to whom Timothy was to accord some special honour, were those who, in the congregations and Christian schools of so great a city as Ephesus, in addition to their many duties connected with organisation and administration, were distinguishing themselves in a marked manner by their preaching and teaching.

Among the devoted and earnest presbyters in these Asian churches, some there were, doubtless, who possessed the special gift of teaching, either in the class-room or the preacher's chair. Those who, possessing, well and faithfully exercised these invaluable gifts were to be in some way preferred by the chief minister. The "double honour" (time) is a broad inclusive term, and seems to comprehend rank and position as well as remuneration--victu et reverentia,as Melancthon paraphrases the words "double honour." Timothy is here directed to confer on the more distinguished of the order of presbyters, official rank and precedence, as the reward of faithful and successful work.