1Ti 5:17-22 | PNT | STEP | Let the elders that rule well . The officials called "bishops" previously are here called elders. See PNT . Be counted worthy of double honour . Held in especial esteem, and not only treated with respect, but maintained. Especially they who labour in the word and doctrine . The class we call preachers, or pastors. That support is referred to is shown by .

‏ 1 Timothy 5:17-22

Let the elders that rule well. The officials called "bishops" previously are here called elders.

See PNT 1Ti 3:1.

Be counted worthy of double honour. Held in especial esteem, and not only treated with respect, but maintained.

Especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. The class we call preachers, or pastors. That support is referred to is shown by 1Ti 5:18. The Scripture saith. See De 25:4.

Thou shalt not muzzle the ox.

See PNT 1Co 9:9.

The labourer [is] worthy of his reward. Quoted from Lu 10:7. Paul says it is Scripture. Therefore, Luke's Gospel was already written and in Paul's hands when this Epistle was written. He calls this Gospel "Scripture". Peter applies the same term to Paul's writings (2Pe 3:16). Against an elder receive not an accusation. Accusations against bishops might be brought before Timothy.

But before two or three witnesses. They were not to be considered unless supported by two or three witnesses. The same rule is found in De 19:15. Them that sin. Whether they be elders, or private members, if convicted, rebuke before all. Rebuke them publicly, for the sake of the lesson to others. Do not hush the matter up privately. I charge [thee] before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ. The solemnity of this charge shows that Paul had a fear that Timothy's sympathies might lead him aside from a strictly judicial course.

And the elect angels. Why "elect" we do not certainly know. They may be the good angels as distinct from the bad angels, or those who were chosen to assist in the work of human redemption may be meant. Angels are often mentioned in this connection.

Observe these things. Carry out this discipline without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Without respect to persons. Lay hands suddenly on no man. The meaning is that no man must be ordained to office until his fitness is surely known. ``All the old commentators, and the great majority of modern ones, applies this to ordination.''

Neither be partaker of other men's sins. He who appoints an unfit man to office becomes in a certain sense responsible for that man's sins.

Keep thyself pure. Free from the sins of other men.