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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 1 Timothy 5:17 - 5:17
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The elders that rule well (οἱ καλῶς προεστῶτες πρεσβύτεροι)
For that rule well, see on καλῶς προΐστάμενον ruling well, 1Ti 3:4. The phrase is peculiar to the Pastorals. See on 1Ti 5:1.
Double honor (διπλῆς τιμῆς)
This at least includes pecuniary remuneration for services, if it is not limited to that. The use of τιμή as pay or price appears Mat 27:6, Mat 27:9; Act 4:34; Act 7:16; 1Co 6:20. Double, not in a strictly literal sense, but as πλείονα τιμὴν more honor, Heb 3:3. The comparison is with those Elders who do not exhibit equal capacity or efficiency in ruling. The passage lends no support to the Reformed theory of two classes of Elders - ruling and teaching. The special honor or emolument is assigned to those who combine qualifications for both.
Those who labor (οἱ κοπιῶντες)
See on 1Ti 4:10. No special emphasis attaches to the word - hard toiling in comparison with those who do not toil. The meaning is, those who faithfully discharge the arduous duty of teaching. Comp. Heb 13:7.
In word and doctrine (ἐν λόγῳ καὶ διδασκαλίᾳ)
Better, word and teaching. Word is general, teaching special. In word signifies, in that class of functions where speech is concerned. The special emphasis (μάλιστα especially) shows the importance which was attached to teaching as an antidote of heresy.