1 Timothy 5:17-22
17 “The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21 I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself [f]free from sin.”
Double honor: Paul is not saying that believers ought to submit to just anybody. He is saying that we ought to honor those whom God has established as elders in the church. These workers ought to be paid their worth and not hindered in the use of their giftedness. Furthermore, Paul also says that elders are to be honored in the midst of accusations. In order to entertain an accusation against an elder, there must be multiple witnesses testifying to this accusation. Otherwise such accusations ought to be disregarded.
Rebuke in the presence of all: Those elders who are caught in some form of sin ought to be rebuked in front of all people so that they and everyone else will be fearful of the consequences of the particular sin. This will help people to view positions of leadership in a serious and sobering manner.
Do not lay hands: Paul is urging Timothy to be very wise in appointing elders. Those ordained to ministry ought to be established in Christ and maturing in the faith.
