1 Ti 5:17 - 6:2

A case for helping Elders to perform their duties.

1Ti 5:17  Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 1Ti 5:18  For the Scripture says, "You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain." And in another place, "Those who work deserve their pay!"

Elders at that were Gods word. There was no Bible at that time and only a few letters. Elders not only had to teach but they also were there to preach. They were responsible for what people believe in. I doubt that there was a lot of time for elders were able to earn money.

1Ti 5:19  Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 1Ti 5:20  Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.

Reasons that Elders could be targeted was multi faceted. They may be envious of the position, or the privileges. They also may be guilty. When I was an active elder there were way to many confrontations that needed resolving. The issues were not police type things but more like we should do this or that. There was one on Y2K that got out of hand. People wanted the church to stock up on blankets, food, water etc. We disagreed with that. Our belief was that if God was going to do something on that day those items would not be necessary. whether or not that was the right answer we all know what happened, nothing.

1Ti 5:21  I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone. 1Ti 5:22  Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 1Ti 5:23  Don't drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.

I thought that the wine comment was interesting. Even today a glass of wine is thought to be healthy. The other verses again should be self explanatory. When picking and elder you do need to be careful. An elder can do a lot of good but they can also do a lot of damage.

1Ti 5:24  Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 1Ti 5:25  In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.

1Ti 6:1  All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching. 1Ti 6:2  If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.

Life Application New Testament Commentary : 6:1-2a In the Roman culture of Paul’s day, slavery was a deeply rooted institution. It was also widespread, since estimates place the number of slaves at 60 million, or half the population of the empire. Slaves conducted most of the functions of society, from the most menial tasks to work as tutors for children and estate managers. They were used as we use tools, machinery, and technology today. Slavery was economic rather than racially motivated. People usually became slaves as a result of war or poverty.

A great social and legal gulf separated masters and slaves. Both Paul and Peter gave instructions about master/slave relations (see 1Co_7:20-24; Gal_3:28; Eph_6:5-9; Col_3:22-25; Tit_2:9-10; the book of Philemon; 1Pe_2:13-25). The abolition of slavery was not on the horizon for masters and slaves in the Roman Empire, so instructions about this touchy topic became extremely valuable. While not speaking against the institution of slavery, they gave guidelines for Christian slaves and Christian masters.

Paul wrote specifically to Christians who are slaves, explaining that their attitude toward even their unbelieving masters should be full respect. This appeared to be an obvious instruction if the master were a Christian; but even so, then the slave should work all the harder. Even if the master were an unbeliever, however, the Christian slave should still treat him or her with full respect. By so doing, the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed.

Paul’s counsel for the master/slave relationship can be applied to the employer/employee relationship today. The attitude and behavior of believers on the job will help or hurt others’ openness to the gospel they share. Employees should work hard, showing respect for their employers. In turn, employers should be fair (Eph_6:5-9; Col_3:22-25). Our work should reflect our faithfulness to and love for Christ. In that way, Christian employees will be a positive witness for Christ to an unbelieving employer.