“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17).
This passage tells us that church leaders who work hard to explain what the Bible says and means should be treated with additional respect. As mentioned earlier in our look at 1 Timothy chapter three, these congregational leaders are variously identified as “elders,” “pastors,” “rulers,” and/or “overseers.” These designations serve to distinguish those who exercise care and authority over a church congregation.
While a gifted teacher may sometimes make this responsibility look easy to a casual observer, we may may not fully appreciate the challenges that a congregational teacher often encounters. This helps explain why such leaders deserve to be recognized, especially in terms of honor and financial compensation.
However, one source presents us with an alternative view to consider regarding this passage…
“Some leaders have one spiritual gift and others another. Leaders must focus on their giftedness and allow other gifted Christians to pick up the slack. Some believers are wonderfully gifted for leadership, often in several ways. Those who function in several areas need to be rewarded for their efforts and protected by the church in their areas of ineffectiveness. We as the body of Christ rejoice in the giftedness of our members, but we also need to remember that we desperately need one another (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7)!” (1)
Since no single minister is equally gifted in every area of ministry, this author makes an important point that bears repeating: “Those who function in several areas need to be rewarded for their efforts and protected by the church in their areas of ineffectiveness.” This reminds us that God’s call to leadership may sometimes require us to minister in areas that correspond poorly with our gifts and/or personal strengths. Much like Paul the Apostle’s “thorn in the flesh,” these challenges often serve to further our dependence upon Christ.
Those who prayerfully do the best they can in such areas should be protected by the church and recognized for their service in less than ideal circumstances. Nevertheless, those who serve with excellence, especially “in the word and doctrine,” should be acknowledged and compensated to a greater degree whenever possible. In the words of another source, “One honor goes to him because of the position which he occupies. Extra honor goes to him if he serves with distinction.” (2)
(1) Dr. Bob Utley. Free Bible Commentary, [1 Timothy 5:17] Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL09/VOL09_05.html
(2) Kent, Homer A., Sr. “Obligations of Pastor and Congregation to Each Other.” Bibliotheca Sacra 124:496 (October-December 1967): 332-38 [pp.182-183]. Quoted in Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 1 Timothy 2021 Edition [2. The discipline and selection of elders 5:17-25] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/1timothy/1timothy.htm