1 Timothy 5:17-25

1 Timothy 5:17-25

Timothy holds a unique role in the leadership. He is still a fairly young man and was leading and appointing ministers of numerous house churches. The task brings to mind several key questions.

First was compensation for ministers. Paul advocates good pay, or “double honor,” for ministers who work hard. In part they would not have time for secular work, and very likely they would have considerable out-of-pocket expenses. Bi-vocational ministry was the norm in much of the early church. However, well-paid ministers are fully acceptable, but only if they work hard. Unfortunately, too many times ministers are doing busywork and treating the church as a jobs program. 

Second, Paul advises that a certain trust be extended to the house church leaders. Only on the account of two or three witnesses are accusations to be entertained. There is a strong anti-gossip bias here. Charges against a leader cannot be a whisper campaign of the disgruntled. People are required to stand up publicly if they want to make an accusation, and that accusation must be specific in nature. Unless there are multiple witnesses of specific charges and a willingness to go public, Timothy is to trust the accused leader. Holding those who would slander and grumble accountable will reduce the frequency of baseless accusations.

Third, hold accountable leaders who act corruptly. There is a distinction between the leader who acts corruptly and the leader who is fully corrupt. The elder, pastor, or leader who has done wrong must face the music. A public rebuke is in order: what was done, why it was wrong, what should have been done, and the consequences of the behavior if it continues. Too often, for reasons that are not legitimate, churches refuse to address the specifics of the case of church discipline, and it spirals down into vague generalities and personalities.

Fourth verses 22, 23, and 24 address the need for due diligence in the review of one who would be a church leader. Paul makes the point that those who select or support a destructive leader share in the guilt of his destructive behaviors. Some are obviously bad, others can hide their failings, but sooner or later the truth will be discovered. This is also true of the good deeds of quality men. Doing a careful background search is vital for the well-being of the church before appointing leaders.

In verse 23, Paul advocates wine for Timothy’s stomach. This was not social drinking but medicinal. Those who advocate total abstinence or recreational drinking are equally unsupported by this verse.

“Lord, bless those who lead the church.  May they proclaim the truth by both their lives and their teaching. AMEN”