A note from our Pastor:

”Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.”

1 Timothy 5:17

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In our study verse this week, the Apostle Paul moves from speaking about the care of widows to addressing how ministers should be provided for by the church. Rather than being a stark change in subject, the thoughts the Apostle brings forward are directly connected to his instruction about widows. Let us take a few moments to examine this verse.

As the Apostle was writing to Timothy about the care of the widows by the community of believers another thought came to his mind. It wasn’t just the widows that needed to be provided for but also the ministers who devoted their time and efforts to leading the congregation. Thus, the Apostle continues his thoughts on how the church should provide for others but moves from widows to elders.

It is important to clarify the meaning of a small portion of this verse. The Apostle refers to ministers ruling well. This can be misunderstood as meaning ministers are to have authority over or be placed in a position of power within the community of believers. That is not the meaning of this verse. The minister is not placed in a place of power over the congregation but is charged with the oversight of the spiritual growth and well-being of the community of believers.

Thus, for the Apostle one of the requirements for a minister to fulfill their role well is to spend adequate time in the word and preaching the doctrine of Christ to the congregation. Certainly, counsel, comfort, and visitation are important things for a minister to do, but the charge is to study the word and to preach the doctrine.

So what is the double measure the Apostle is referring to? Did he mean that the congregation had to provide enough for the minister to be full-time? No. The double measure refers back to providing for the widows. To use American terms, if the congregation could provide $10 for the widow then they ought to be able to provide $20 for the minister who leads them. The double measure was not intended to be a certain amount or provide for all the needs. Rather, it was a reflection of what those individual believers could provide.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah