1 Timothy 5:17 – Ruling and Teaching Elders

Back in chapter 2 verse 12 we learned that teaching and ruling office in the Church is reserved for men. In chapter 3, we learned of the qualities a man must have in order to be ordained to the office of overseer (which we saw, by considering Acts 20 and Titus 1, is also known as the office of elder). Earlier this week, we saw in I Timothy 4:14 that Christ rules His Church on earth by means of a plurality of elders. Today, we learn that there are two types of elders.

Paul says, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor.” Next week, LORD willing, we will study what it means to give double honor. For now, we note that elders have the role of ruling in the Church. That is, all elders have governing authority. However, Paul goes on to say “especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” While all elders rule and every elder is to be “able to teach” (I Timothy 3:2), some elders labor in preaching and teaching. The word “labor” indicates a man’s means of livelihood. In other words, some elders make their living preaching and teaching. They are paid to dedicate their time and efforts to the Word of God (as Paul commanded Timothy in chapter 4) that God’s people might be well-taught. Elders who are set apart for the ministry of the Word are thus known as “ministers” or “teaching elders.” All other elders are known as “ruling elders.”

Questions
1. What two types of elders are there?
2. What do all elders do?
3. Why do some labor in preaching and teaching?
4. What are they called?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.